This book analyzes the relationships between Athenian myths and the institutions that informed them. In particular, it examines how myths encode thoughts on ritual, the code of the warrior, marriage, and politics. Combining traditional historical and literary criticism with the approaches of anthropologists, feminist critics, and cultural historians, the authors study specific examples of the epic and tragedy, as well as funeral orations and the Parthenon marbles, to illuminate the ways mythic media exploited the beliefs, concepts, and practices of fifth-century Athens, simultaneously exemplifying and shaping that culture.

"A wonderful little book! Embodies much of modern scholarship and the most interesting new ideas. Good bibliography."

"Exceptionally valuable background material. Should be placed on reserve everywhere humanities courses are still taught."

"Will be an excellent reference and recommended text for my current mythology class."

"Highly provocative and very readable."

"A major contribution to the study of Athenian myths and their impact. This work will be of interest to students and scholars of the classics, anthropology, cultural history, and gender studies."

Wm Blake Tyrrell, Professor of Classics, and Frieda S. Brown, Professor of French, both at Michigan State University.