This volume gathers and discusses a series of myths surrounding the appearance of humankind on Earth, as they appear in the Hellenic mythical tradition. It is, therefore, mythology commented on from the texts in which it has been transmitted. The procedure has consisted of studying the sources to extract the data that would allow us to provide an overview of all the narratives. Thus, we have been able to structure the different myths about the origins of humankind into two distinct groups: traditional myths and myths of philosophical content. The former includes those from the Near East and the biblical tradition; those narrated by Hesiod; the Hellenic variant of the Flood featuring Deucalion and Pyrrha; those that underpin Orphism; and those of autochthony. Those of philosophical content are found in the fragments of Empedocles and in two dialogues by Plato, Protagoras and the Symposium.

Reading these various works by different authors attempts to offer an overview of Greek thought regarding the diverse conceptions that emerge within their tradition. If we have sought the answer in mythology, it is because its discourse predates both philosophy and science. Thanks to mythology, we also know that the Greeks not only disregarded the question of their origins, but also came to believe that the state of affairs in which they lived was the best possible, given that any change in circumstances could only worsen their situation.

From the "Prologue" by Elisa Nieto

It includes essays by Elisa Nieto , Richard Buxton , Mercedes López Salvá , Ana Carrasco Conde , Luc Brisson , Sara Macías and Silvia Porres , Giuliana Scalera McClintock , Rosa García-Gasco , Mercedes Aguirre , Carlos Megino and Alicia Esteban.

[Co-published with Carlos III University ]