Whether it's Prometheus, Romulus, Freyja, or the Yellow Emperor: the myths of the world are impressively diverse. They shape our cultural memory and influence the perception of foreign countries and customs. This handbook introduces the mythology of the most influential cultures. In addition to Greek-Roman and Germanic mythology, it also considers for the first time the predominant myths in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Asia, America, and Oceania. In-depth individual articles explain the significance and impact of selected myths. Numerous illustrations of artworks and cult objects document their artistic representation from antiquity to modern times. Information on the myth in science and the arts rounds out the volume.