The classical myths of the Greeks and Romans, as told by Homer, the tragedians, Ovid, and Virgil, are part of the core of European culture. This introduction provides the historical and theoretical background necessary for a proper understanding of these myths. The volume describes the most important themes and figures of mythology and introduces the cultural context of their emergence in ancient Greece. It thoroughly addresses myth theory and myth interpretation from antiquity to modern times. The volume includes illustrations, a bibliography, and an index of names and subjects. Zeus, Medea, Dionysus: a key to the classical ancient myths. Understanding classical myths - a guide through the interpretations of myths over the centuries.