Includes bibliographical references (p. [507]-519) and index.

Introduction -- All men have need of gods -- Gift of the Nile : the myths of Egypt -- By the rivers of Babylon : the myths of Mesopotamia -- Greek miracle : the myths of Greece and Rome -- An age of axes, an age of swords : the myths of the Celts and Norse -- Bridge to the East -- Radiance of a thousand suns : the myths of India -- Everywhere under heaven : the myths of China and Japan -- Out of Africa : the myths of sub-Saharan Africa -- Sacred hoops : the myths of the Americas and Pacific Islands.

Where do we come from? Why do stars shine and the seasons change? What is evil? Since the beginning of time, people have answered such questions by crafting imaginative stories that have served as religion, science, philosophy, and popular literature. In his irreverent a question-and- answer style, Davis introduces and explains the great myths of the world, as well as the works of literature that have made them famous. He tackles Mesopotamia's Gilgamesh, the first hero in world mythology; Achilles and the Trojan War; Stonehenge and the Druids; Thor, the Nordic god of thunder; Chinese oracle bones; the use of peyote in ancient Native American rites; and the dramatic life and times of the man who would be Buddha. Ever familiar and instructive, Davis shows why the ancient tales of gods and heroes--from Mount Olympus to Machu Picchu, from ancient Rome to the icy land of the Norse-- continue to speak to us today, in our movies, art, language, and music.--From publisher description.