Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome

The want of an interesting work on Greek and Roman mythology, suitable for
the requirements of both boys and girls, has long been recognized by the
principals of our advanced schools. The study of the classics themselves, even
where the attainments of the pupil have rendered this feasible, has not been
found altogether successful in giving to the student a clear and succinct idea
of the religious beliefs of the ancients, and it has been suggested that a work
which would so deal with the subject as to render it at once interesting and
instructive would be hailed as a valuable introduction to the study of classic
authors, and would be found to assist materially the labours of both master and
pupil.

In endeavouring to supply this want I have sought to place before the reader
a lifelike picture of the deities of classical times as they were conceived and
worshipped by the ancients themselves, and thereby to awaken in the minds of
young students a desire to become more intimately acquainted with the noble
productions of classical antiquity.

It has been my aim to render the Legends, which form the second portion of
the work, a picture, as it were, of old Greek life; its customs, its
superstitions, and its princely hospitalities, for which reason they are given
at somewhat greater length than is usual in works of the kind.

In a chapter devoted to the purpose some interesting particulars have been
collected respecting the public worship of the ancient Greeks and Romans (more
especially of the former), to which is subjoined an account of their principal
festivals.

I may add that no pains have been spared in order that, without passing over
details the omission of which would have marred the completeness of the work,
not a single passage should be found which could possibly offend the most
scrupulous delicacy; and also that I have purposely treated the subject with
that reverence which I consider due to every religious system, however
erroneous.

It is hardly necessary to dwell upon the importance of the study of
Mythology: our poems, our novels, and even our daily journals teem with
classical allusions; nor can a visit to our art galleries and museums be fully
enjoyed without something more than a mere superficial knowledge of a subject
which has in all ages inspired painters, sculptors, and poets. It therefore only
remains for me to express a hope that my little work may prove useful, not only
to teachers and scholars, but also to a large class of general readers, who, in
whiling away a leisure hour, may derive some pleasure and profit from its
perusal.


— Excerpted from
THE Myths and Legends OF ANCIENT GREECE AND
ROME
by E. M. BERENS.