Epic Myths & Legends: Uncovering Tales from Ancient Times That Are Hidden in Everyday Life

In this unique exploration of world mythology, discover how ancient tales across cultures have influenced today’s pop culture, from Beyoncé to Game of Thrones.

Fun and engaging, The Encyclopedia of Epic Myths and Legends details the influences of classical stories on contemporary popular culture. Without these myths, passed down through the generations over three millennia, many of the stories we enjoy in our current media wouldn’t exist!

Along with colorful illustrations and graphics, author Arie Kaplan makes unexpected connections in our everyday lives. Are you wearing Nike shoes? The company is named after the Greek goddess of victory. Big on astronomy? Most of the planets in our solar system, like Mercury, Jupiter, and Mars, are named after members of the Roman pantheon. Kaplan takes you on a deep dive into mythology from around the world and shows that Superman and Achilles are connected, Frankenstein and Prometheus were cut from the same cloth, and how an Egyptian sun god has inspired video games, the musical stage, and the silver screen.

The Encyclopedia of Epic Myths and Legends deftly combines history and modern pop culture to enrich your experience of both worlds. This captivating book covers:

• Not only the Greek Pantheon but mythology from cultures from all around the world, from West African mythology to Egyptian, Roman, Incan, Celtic, Indian, Zoroastrian, Norse, Japanese, Chinese, and British myths, to name a few.
• Unexpected correlations between things we see in our everyday lives and mythology, like Beyoncé’s use of imagery of the Yoruba water goddess Osun, the Marvel Universe and Norse gods Loki, Thor, and Odin, and Superman’s conception through Hercules, King Arthur, and Moses.
• Fascinating sidebars that break down legendary lore such as unicorns, the Tooth Fairy, and Stonehenge, as well as examinations of mythic masters who have expertly woven these timeless tales into pop culture like Neil Gaiman and George Lucas.
• A deep dive into the fascinating folklore from all around the world, and how we all are connected, no matter how far apart we might be.

With countless Easter eggs revealed throughout, The Encyclopedia of Epic Myths and Legends is an exciting way to learn about ancient mythology. You may think you know what inspired TheHunger Games or Percy Jackson, but now you can truly discover the source of these modern tales.

The Wonderpedia series offers comprehensive, display-worthy illustrated references on a range of intriguing topics, including archeological discoveries, world mythology, pop culture, global superstitions, and the fascinating stories behind signs and symbols. A cross-cultural exploration of what makes humans tick, this series magnifies the connective threads between us across time and geography and demystifies the surprising, confounding sides of life.

Arie Kaplan is the author of the 96 Facts series of middle-grade biographies (96 Facts About Taylor Swift, 96 Facts About Timothée Chalamet, et al.). Before that, Arie wrote the six-volume Shockzone: Games & Gamers series of children’s nonfiction books, which covered every aspect of the video-game industry. Arie also wrote the award-winning nonfiction title From Krakow to Krypton: Jews and Comic Books, and he has lectured on the history of the comic book industry at colleges, universities, museums, and literary festivals all over the world. In addition, he has authored nonfiction books on a wide range of topics, from the life of Vlad the Impaler to the history of piracy.

Aside from his work as a nonfiction author, Arie has written numerous books and graphic novels for young readers, including The Jurassic Park Little Golden Book, Frankie and the Dragon, LEGO Star Wars: The Official Stormtrooper Training Manual, The New Kid from Planet Glorf, Batman: Harley at Bat, The Spider-Man Comictivity Book, Shadow Guy and Gamma Gal: Heroes Unite, and Speed Racer: Chronicles of the Racer.

In addition, he has penned scripts for such iconic comic book series as Star Wars Adventures, MAD Magazine, Tales from the Crypt, Archie & Friends, Looney Tunes, and Bart Simpson Comics.

When he’s not working on his latest book, comic book story, or graphic novel, Arie is a screenwriter for television, video games, and transmedia. He lives in New York City, New York, with his wife and daughter. Please check out his website: ariekaplan.com.