Disability and healing in Greek and Roman myth

Uittreksel

"Disability and Healing in Greek and Roman Myth takes its readers to stories, in versions known and often unknown. Disabilities and diseases are dealt with from head to toe: from mental disorders, over impairment of vision, hearing and speaking, to mobility problems and wider issues that pertain to the whole body. This Element places the stories in context, with due attention to close reading, and to concepts and terminology regarding disability. It sets Graeco-Roman mythology in the wider context of the ancient world, including Christianity. One of the focuses is the people behind the stories and their 'lived' religion. It also encourages its readers to 'live' their ancient mythology"-- Back cover.

Inhoud

Setting the scene: disabilities, myths, and religion -- Disabled gods and heroes 'from head to toe' -- Other 'oddities': monsters, twins, dwarfs, and old age -- Purity and wholesomeness for priests and cultic servants? -- The role of Christianity and monotheism -- Conclusion. Disability as anachronism or analogy?