This is a comprehensive reference source to the ancient world's most fascinating mythologies. It is a visual dictionary with 1000 entries and more than 600 fine-art images. It covers every aspect of Classical, Celtic and Norse mythology, folklore and legend, bringing the past to life. It is a lively and informed narrative by one of the world's leading authorities on the subject. Special spreads compare and contrast key mythological and archetypal themes in the different cultures. Hundreds of beautiful images highlight every aspect of these heroic characters and their tales, from the Olympian Gods to the Nordic warriors and nature gods of the Celts. This encyclopedia of mythology brings together the three outstanding traditions of Europe: the Classical legends of ancient Greece and Rome; the fairytale myths of the Celtic world; and from Northern Europe, tales of Germanic gods, Nordic warriors and giants. They form the core of European mythological thought, revealing the power of love in Helen of Troy, the mystery of death in the tale of King Arthur and the challenge of the unknown in the voyages of Brendan the Navigator. Pictorial features focus on recurring mythological themes, such as Oracles, Magic, Voyages, Heroes, and Spells, making this book universal in theme and timeless in appeal. The A-Z structure of the book makes it easy to find hundreds of characters, significant events, locations and sites of interest, stories and symbols.