This volume features the ancient tales of three compelling cultures: the mythology of Classical Greece and Rome; the fairytale myths of the Celtic world; and, from Northern Europe, tales of Germanic gods, Nordic warriors, and fearsome giants. Arthur Cotterell, an internationally renowned expert on mythology across cultures, describes central mythical figures with wit and authority, retelling ancient legends as spellbinding, intriguing accounts of past ages.The ancient tales in this volume are brought to life through a wealth of imagery that spans fifteen centuries of fine art; illustrations also include specially-commissioned photographs and drawings that focus on important and recurring mythological themes, including Oracles and Prophecies, Magic and Enchantment, Voyagers, Heroes, Giants, and Sorcery and Spells.