Unwed Human Female

Part of the surprisingly illuminating “A Very Short Introduction” series, Helen Morales’ Classical Mythology might not be what one would expect. Rather than a run down of myth (which would be impossible in 144 mini pages) she discusses the often-invisible impact of “classical” (a term which she questions) myth on modern-day western society.

I should start by saying that I’m no stranger to classical mythology, I’ve read a ton of it, from Homer to Ovid to Aeschylus and from Edith Hamilton to Helene Cixous - when it comes to myth I’m no slouch. Regardless of this, Morales “introduction” helped me look at myth with a broader perspective, she points out ways in which myth continues to surface and the attitudes towards it (which are continually changing). Discussing everything from Freudian psychoanalytic theory (which I felt was the most fascinating part of the book) to astrology and modern-day goddess worship, Morales really covers a wide variety of topics. She also touches on the problematic role of women in mythology (addressing homoeroticism and the muse, among others) as well as the divided feminist response to those roles.

Classical myth has become something in western society that is so rarely examined critically, it’s just there, and no one asks why or how or where the influence goes to or comes from. It’s because of this lack of awareness of the myths which permeate our society that Morales’ little book was really wonderful to read, it reminds you that myth is not a static entity that “always was,” nor has myth been relegated to the realm of children’s literature, but that it remains an influential (though often covert) part of our shared semiology.