Arguably the most obvious way myths of ancient Greece and Rome continue to resonate in the modern world is through their manifest influence on language, customs, and understanding of natural phenomena. By drawing attention to these throughout the book, the D’Aulaires illuminate for young readers the ancient origins of words they use and other phenomena. In addition, this collection illustrates why the myths continue to matter.

Perhaps the most immediate way the myths’ impact is felt is their enduring influence on language. The D’Aulaires repeatedly point out English words that derive from myths. “Panic” is what wanderers who startled Pan experienced when they heard his “bone-chilling” scream. The Narcissus flower and narcissists can both be traced back to Narcissus, the youth who fell so deeply in love with his own reflection that he could not tear himself away and eventually was reduced to a beautiful flower. Any time an echo is heard, it is all that is left of Echo, the nymph who wasted away longing for Narcissus. The Pillars of Hercules are so called because Heracles set them there during his labors. Laurel leaves are the descendants of the nymph Daphne (laurel in Greek), who transformed into the first laurel tree in her attempt to flee from Apollo.