Greek Myths and Stories

by Aphrodite Matsakis, Ph.D.

Paperback and Kindle format available from Amazon.com; audio recording of this book is available on Bandcamp.com.

 

Psyche’s passion, Achilles’ grief, Ulysses’ longing for home, and Hector’s conflicting loyalties come alive in this collection of Greek myths. Zeus and Hera’s power struggles, Io's paralyzing fears, Demetra’s relentless search for her kidnapped daughter, and other stories are told in a dramatic fashion. Psychological and sociological insights are included, as are stories of famous Greeks, such as Socrates, who answered questions with more questions and history altering events, such as the vastly outnumbered 300 Spartans’ courageous last stand at Thermopylae.     

 Psyche’s passion for her lover helps her combat her suicidal despair, and Ulysses’ longing for home helps him outwit the monstrous Cyclops and survive the enchantress Circe and his many enemies. Achilles’ grief over the death of his best friend results in a murderous rampage which is only ended by the tears of an old man.     

This book presents stories of Zeus’ infidelities and his wife Hera’s vengeful fury, of how their neglect of their son Ares transform him into the God of War, and of how their abuse of Hephaestus results in his creative genius. This book also captures the antics of Hermes, the trickster god, and the highlights of the Trojan War, with its tales of bravery, lies, sex, and do or die decisions.     

A wide range of other myths are told, including lesser-known myths about Tantalus, who is forever tortured by the sight of food and drink he cannot reach, and about Io, a cow who becomes a goddess.

Aphrodite Matsakis, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and the author of Growing Up Greek in St. Louis, as well as twelve books on post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological topics.