As an eleven-year-old child, I was fascinated by Classical mythology, especially Edith Hamilton’s work which was required reading in my grade school at the time. As I grew older, I “forgot” about my interest in mythology and turned my attention and enthusiasm to history and archaeology instead. My renewed interest in mythology stems from my study of archaeomythology, and my use of archaeomythology as a methodology to investigate Bronze Age Crete (c. 3200-1070 BCE), a society

Perhaps defining myth is impossible. Unanimity on an exact definition cannot occur because it will leave out what someone, somewhere, considers important; too loose a definition will lack enough specificity to be useful. Also, a myth nailed down dies, like a pinned butterfly.

I need to begin with Wendy Doniger’s observation, “it's impossible to define myth, but cowardly not to try.” So here goes. Not with a definition – but, instead, with an appreciation.

McConnell’s vivid poem “Worm” brings alive an overlooked and vilified creature: the worm. Through tight, powerful words, the poem creates aw