Greek mythology in cyberspace

Insight on the News, June 17, 2002 by Joseph Szadkowski

Greek mythology has been ingrained in world culture. From popular films featuring the exploits of Jason and the Argonauts to a lexicon including phrases such as "Achilles' heel," the heroes and gods of the ancient world still are with us. One man's herculean effort has led to a Website espousing the virtues of studying these legends.

The Website, www.mythweb.com, was created by Joel Skidmore at his own expense and as a public service through his media company, San Francisco Production Group.

"I created Mythweb with the help of my artistic collaborators in order to foster the study and enjoyment of Greek mythology," Skidmore says. "I myself was bitten by the bug in preschool and re-infected in sixth grade. I also had the benefit of a country-day-school curriculum that included healthy doses of Homer, Herodotus, Thucydides, et al. I personally enjoy Greek mythology, and I like to share it with other enthusiasts, especially middle-schoolers in the course of becoming enthusiasts."

Drawing upon Homer's Iliad and Odyssey and the works of Apollodorus--who wrote centuries after the myths first were narrated, but provided a solid retelling--Skidmore has assembled an efficient Website featuring cartoony representations of the characters and stories to which he pays tribute. The Website's opening page, for example, shows a Disney-style Zeus wielding a lightning bolt and accompanied by cronies who come to life as visitors pass the cursor over the main sections, "Gods," "Heroes," "Today" and "Encyclopedia."

The site won't captivate younger children, but students in sixth grade and beyond will find a wealth of knowledge that will greatly enhance a school report.

JOSEPH SZADKOWSKI WRITERS FOR Insight's SISTER DAILY, THE WASHINGTON TIMES.