Greek and Roman Mythology: Volume 3 by Cirro Oh Date of Publication: 2005 ISBN: 981-05-2266-7 Number of Pages: 157

REQUIRED READING ABILITY: Junior: Average Intermediate: Low
GENRES: Graphic Novel/Myths and Legends
THEMES : Good versus Evil - Life versus Death - Sacrifice and Redemption - Prejudice - Appearance versus Reality

SUMMARY:
This collection of Greek and Roman myths told in graphic novel form, begins with the love story of Eros and Psyche. Psyche was a beautiful mortal who attracted the attention of all. This angered the goddess Aphrodite, so she sent her son Eros to punish the lovely Psyche. Aphrodite's plan backfires when Eros sees Psyche's beauty. Psyche's future is uncertain, as she is forced to leave her family and marry a mysterious husband.

The next myth concerns Baucis and Philemon, an old, moral couple who unknowingly, invite two gods into their home. The couple showers the two travelers with their humble generosity, and when the gods reveal themselves, they grant the older couple a wish that will change and secure their future.

Athena and Arachne face-off in the next chapter. Having won protection over a beautiful city by granting it the useful gift of olive trees, Athena is challenged once again by the mortal Arachne. Arachne is a beautiful, gifted weaver who becomes offended when people say that she must have been trained by the goddess Athena. Arachne challenges Athena to a competition and Athena, who is outraged by Arachne's arrogance, accepts.

In the fourth myth, Dionysus, son of Zeus and the mortal Semele, faces the challenge of being taken from his mother before his birth and later raised by the nymphs of Mount Nysa. Dionysis enjoys some success by growing grapes and creating wine. While he has many loyal followers for the joy he brings to people, there are those who wish Dionysus harm.

In the final chapter, King Midas of Phrygia is granted a wish from Dionysus when he saves his foster father. Midas wishes that everything he touches will turn to gold. Thrilled by his sudden riches, Midas soon learns that his wish may not be all he was hoping for.

WHO WOULD LOVE THIS BOOK? A kid who...
- loves graphic novels and comics
- is interested in Greek and Roman mythology
- enjoys fantasy stories

WHAT ELSE?
This is the third in a series of graphic novel adaptations of Greek and Roman myths by Cirro Oh, though each stands alone.