Summary of Apollodorus' Library

Apollodorus' Library is a compendium of Greek myths and heroic legends, arranged in three books. It is generally dated to the first or second century AD. The author was traditionally thought to be Apollodorus of Athens, but that attribution is now regarded as false, as a result "Pseudo-" has been affixed to Apollodorus.

Book 1 of the Library begins with the creation of the world and the birth of the gods. It then goes on to tell the stories of the Titans, the Giants, and the Olympian gods. Book 2 tells the stories of the heroes of the Greek Trojan War cycle, including Achilles, Odysseus, and Agamemnon. Book 3 tells the stories of the heroes who came after the Trojan War, such as Theseus, Perseus, and Heracles.

The Library is an important source of information about Greek mythology. It is written in a clear and concise style, and it provides a comprehensive overview of the Greek myths and legends. The Library is also valuable for its many insights into Greek culture and society.

Here is a summary of some of the key events in Apollodorus' Library:

The gods Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades defeat the Titans and become the rulers of the world.
Zeus creates humans and gives them the gift of fire.
The gods intervene in the Trojan War, which is fought between the Greeks and the Trojans.
Achilles, the greatest Greek warrior, is killed by Hector, the greatest Trojan warrior.
Odysseus, a cunning Greek warrior, returns home from the Trojan War after a ten-year journey.
Theseus, the king of Athens, slays the Minotaur, a half-man, half-bull creature.
Perseus kills Medusa, a Gorgon with snakes for hair whose gaze could turn people to stone.
Heracles, the son of Zeus, completes twelve impossible tasks, known as the Twelve Labors of Heracles.

Apollodorus' Library is a classic work of Greek literature. It is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in Greek mythology, Greek culture, or Greek history.