Gifts from the Gods: Ancient Words and Wisdom from Greek and Roman Mythology

by Lise Lunge-Larsen, Gareth Hinds (Illustrator)

Overview

Ancient names come to rich and fascinating life in this lavishly illustrated book for mythology fans and word lovers.Did you know that “museums” were initially temples built to worship the nine muses, the goddesses of the arts? That “Janus” was the god of the doorways and hallways, and we have named our janitors after him?
Where did these words — and other words, such as chaos, genius, nemesis, panic, echo, and narcissus — come from? From the ancient stories of the Greeks — stories that rang so true and wise that the names of the characters have survived for centuries as words we use every day. The brief stories here not only impart the subtle wisdom of these ancient tales, but make us understand the words, and our own world, more deeply.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780547677378
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	10/25/2011
Sold by:	HARPERCOLLINS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	96
File size:	78 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	10 - 12 Years

About the Author

Lise Lunge-Larsen is an award-winning author and a professional storyteller. Born and raised in Norway, she lives with her family in the hills of Duluth, Minnesota.

Gareth Hinds is the creator of critically-acclaimed graphic novels based on literary classics, including Beowulf, King Lear (which Booklist named one of the top 10 graphic novels for teens), The Merchant of Venice, The Odyssey (which garnered four starred reviews and a spot on ten “best of 2010” lists), Romeo and Juliet , and Macbeth. He is a recipient of the Boston Public Library’s “Literary Lights for Children” award. He lives in Maryland.
garethhinds.com
Twitter: @garethhinds
Instagram: @gareth.hinds

Editorial Reviews

Lunge-Larsen and Hinds explain what words like echo, grace, hypnotize, and janitor have in common, tracing the origins of common words and expressions to Greek and Roman myths. Readers may know that “arachnid” derives from the story of Arachne and that modern-day “sirens” have mythical antecedents, but this collection has plenty of surprises, too, such as the roots of “nemesis” (the goddess of justice) or “tantalize,” after doomed Tantalus. Lunge-Larsen provides additional context, including dictionary definitions, and quotes from children’s literature. Hinds incorporates graphic novel–style elements into his dynamic illustrations, including dialogue balloons and filmic perspectives. A treat for myth lovers and language lovers alike, this smart and well-executed compilation should provide readers with a deeper understanding of the ways in which language evolves and of the surprising symbolism behind certain words. Ages 9–12. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

"Sure to attract language arts teachers who want students to master word origins, this work will also hold strong appeal for teens who will be attracted by the combination of clever text and exceptional illustrations." — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

"A treat for myth lovers and language lovers alike, this smart and well-executed compilation should provide readers with a deeper understanding of the ways in which language evolves and of the surprising symbolism behind certain words." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"The colorful artwork and brief chapters make this volume ideal for classroom sharing. Use this unique offering to launch a discussion about the elemental power of story and its influence on modern-day language." — School Library Journal

From the Publisher

Gr 3–7—Mythology meets etymology in this handsome collection that introduces words derived from the gods, goddesses, and humans featured in Greek and Roman tales. From "Achilles' Heel" to "Victory," 17 terms are presented along with the stories of the characters that inspired their origins. Each section begins with a page containing a definition and a quote from a well-known children's book that makes lively use of the featured word, all attractively bordered by a thematic frieze (round eyeballs for "Hypnotize" or emblems of the arts for "Muse"). Clearly and vividly written, the subsequent tales range in length from quick summations (a two-page entry for "Genius") to more detailed recaps of myths (Arachne and Athena's weave-off for "Arachnid"). Entries end with additional notes about the highlighted word and its uses and variations. Hinds's pencil-and-watercolor illustrations have a classical feel, showing statuesque characters girded in golden armor or draped in graceful clothing, frightening beasts (the Furies, set against a crimson background, are particularly haunting with their dripping-with-blood eyes and batlike wings), and an array of human emotions. A thoughtful author's note and a chart listing the Greek and Latin names for the characters are appended. The colorful artwork and brief chapters make this volume ideal for classroom sharing. Use this unique offering to launch a discussion about the elemental power of story and its influence on modern-day language.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

School Library Journal

Countering the notion that our language just sprang into existence from nowhere, a respected storyteller offers quick notes on the Classical backgrounds behind several dozen words or expressions in common use.

Arranging her 17 main choices alphabetically from "Achilles Heel" to "Victory," Lunge-Larsen supplies for each a use-quote, retells or paraphrases a Greek or Roman myth that explains the term's usage then closes with quick references to several related gods or other figures whose names are still embedded in English. While "Pandora's Box" and some other entries feature fully developed tales, others do not. The story of Achilles (whose role and death in the Trojan War are encompassed in one sentence about how, after the "Battle of Troy [sic] broke out ... one fateful arrow pierced his heel") and others are sketchy at best. Adding occasional dialogue balloons graphic-novelist, Hinds presents expertly drawn but similarly sketchy watercolor scenes of fully-clothed or discreetly posed mortals and immortals on nearly every page. While pulling modern use-quotes from current literature for kids has the potential to spice up the presentation, some works are relatively obscure (River Boy, by Tim Bowler) or above the natural audience for this text (The Face on the Milk Carton, by Caroline B. Cooney).

A quick skim of the subject—readable, but unsystematic and not well served by either the art or the dusty closing bibliography. (Nonfiction. 10-12)

Kirkus Reviews