From Achilles' Heel to Zeus's Shield

Did you know that to tantalize recalls how Greek mythology's Tantalus was tortured by the food and drink just beyond his grasp? If someone goes berserk, he is emulating the Viking warriors of Norse myth - fabled for reckless bravery that bordered on madness? The phenomenon known as an echo takes its name from a nymph of Greek legend, cursed to repeat whatever was spoken to her? In this lively, meticulously researched book, linguist and literary scholar Dale Corey Dibbley shows us how the gods and heroes of myth and legend are truly immortal, living on in our words, our thoughts, even our deeds. From Achilles' Heel to Zeus's Shield explores the origins, meaning, and modern usage of more than 300 words and phrases. Each alphabetical entry includes parallel tales drawn from Egyptian, Norse, German, Celtic, Greek, Roman, or other mythologies; a fascinating look at the dramatic and exciting mythological stories behind the entry; the word's evolution through history to its home in the English language - from heavenly bodies to TV commercial catch-phrases; and helpful cross-references.

Publishers Description

Many words and expressions commonly used in English are rooted in Mythology. Dibbley looks at the most colorful ones, briefly recounting the stories of the gods and heroes and their trials and tribulations that inspired them in the first place.