More than 80 classics retold and explained, from early creation beliefs to classical hero narratives and the recurring theme of the afterlife.Who is the trickster god, Maui? What is the Mead of Poetry and what gift did it bestow on those who drank it? What did Ancient Egyptian mythology say about the Underworld? The latest title in the bestselling Big Ideas series, The Mythology Book answers these questions and more, as it explores the compelling worlds and characters depicted in myths and legends. Delve into each myth and discover the meanings behind these stories, getting to the heart of their significance to different cultures worldwide. More than just stories, myths are testament to the amazing creativity of humans striving to explain and make sense of the world around them. Here you will discover Zeus, god of the sky and ruler of the Olympian gods, Loki, the cunning trickster with a knack for causing havoc, Thor with his mighty hammer, and Hades, ruler of the underworld. Beyond the gods and goddesses of Ancient Greek, Roman, and Norse myths this book delves into the stories woven by the Australian aborigines, the Cherokee, and Aztecs, each brimming with amazing characters and insights into human existence.