sotzo

Anyone know of any book(s) which assemble all of the actual mythic hero stories into one volume?

If not, perhaps you can provide references to books containing individual stories.

The purpose of my request is that there is alot of discussion in this forum pertaining to the mythic hero archetype and I want to check out the original stories for myself.

Many thanks in advance.

Koyaanisqatsi

An excellent book is actually a collection of mythic hero stories that will give you all you need to know. It's called the "New Testament," but some poeple also call it the "Bible."

sotzo

Thanks Koy...actually, I've got that book (the Bible) and I'm doing the "freethinking" thing and trying to explore others.

I would hate to think that the only sources I have to go on about the alleged similarites between Jesus and the mythic hero archetype is this Secular Web forum!

Toto

I think you are looking for the works of Joseph Campbell, in particular <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0691017840/qid=1012599729/internetinfidelsA" target="_blank">The Hero with a Thousand Faces</a>. Campbell inspired George Lucas, and Luke Skywalker was modeled on the mythic hero.

The Bible actually has only a few of the mythic heroes. A lot of other cultures have done a better job as far as positive role models.

Marduk

The Campbell book is probably the best, but Stephanie Dalley's "Myths of Mesopotamia" has such things as 'The Epic of Gilgamesh' the prototype and grandaddy of all superhero stories.
The Sumerians and their pantheon of supermen called the Annunaki predate almost all mythology.
Lots of early versions of Bible tales in there to, the flood story, creation, etc.