Turning the page on Greek myths
Greek mythology’s appeal, or its ability to transfix a reader over the centuries, has not been diminished by the passing of time. The tales of Zeus and Apollo can still fascinate. Both in the East and the West, the enduring drama and tales of morality offer a perspective of the ages. China is no exception and, as if to prove the point, a series of books on Greek mythology was published this year.
The eight-volume Greek Mythology Series was written by a Greek writer, Menelaos Stephanides, and was recommended by the Greek Ministry of Education. It has been published in over 10 languages and has sold over 1 million copies worldwide.
This Chinese edition was published by China Translation and Publishing House, with Peng Ping, professor of Beijing Foreign Studies University, as its main translator.
Greek Mythology Series tells vivid stories about hundreds of gods, people and heroes, showing ancient wisdom and philosophical attitudes toward life and the pursuit of happiness and advancement. Through these myths, the series of books also present their understanding of the origin of the universe, the beginning of human beings and a variety of natural and social phenomena of ancient Greece.
Stephanides, author of the series, devoted himself to the retelling of ancient myths for more than 25 years, tirelessly studying the source materials to accomplish his literary version of the stories. Working with his brother, the artist and illustrator Yannis Stephanides, they published the Stephanides Brothers’ Greek Mythology series. It won the 1989 Pier Paolo Vergerio prize for its outstanding text and illustrations.
“Myths and stories provide children the inspiration, ideas and values about how to think or behave and how to become responsible and useful members of our society,” says Greek Ambassador to China Georgios Iliopoulos.
Myths and stories provide children the inspiration, ideas and values about how to ... become responsible and useful members of our society.”
Georgios Iliopoulos, Greek ambassador to China
Chinese educationalist Zhu Yongxin also says that reading Greek mythology can help children improve their imagination, creativity and literacy and make them stronger, braver and kinder.
“Greek mythology contains the largest mythological system in the world, and it is also a key way to understand Western civilization,” Zhu says.
Cao Wenxuan, a renowned Chinese author, recommends the book to Chinese children. “The imagination embodied in the series is fascinating. Boundless fantasy is the original source of Western Romantic literature,” says Cao, who’s also a Hans Christian Andersen Award winner.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership, and next year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. The countries are making efforts to strengthen their cooperation on aspects related to culture, including celebrating a China-Greece Year of Culture and Tourism.
Iliopoulos regards Greek Mythology Series as a “trigger” to attract more Chinese to learn more about Greek culture.
“The publishing of the book can offer a starting point for exploring and understanding Greek civilization and culture, especially for children, since at the end of the day, it is the children who will be building the future of this world,” says Iliopoulos.