Constellation Myths: With Aratus's Phaenomena

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' Athena seized the writhing serpent & hurled it into the sky & fixed it to the very pole of the heavens' The constellations we recognize today were first mapped by the ancient Greeks who arranged the stars into patterns for that purpose In the third century BC Eratosthenes compiled a handbook of astral mythology in which the constellations were associated with figures from legend & myths were provided to explain how each person creature or object came to be placed in the sky Thus we can see Heracles killing the Dragon & Perseus slaying the sea-monster to save Andromeda; Orion chases the seven maidens transformed by Zeus into the Pleiades & Aries the golden ram is identified flying up to the heavens This translation brings together the later summaries from Eratosthenes' lost handbook with a guide to astronomy compiled by Hyginus librarian to Augustus Together with Aratus's astronomical poem the Phaenomena these texts provide a complete collection of Greek astral myths; imaginative & picturesque they also offer an intriguing insight into ancient science & culture ABOUT THE SERIES For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features including expert introductions by leading authorities helpful notes to clarify the text up-to-date bibliographies for further study & much more