Mythic Plants: Potions and Poisons from the Gardens of the Gods
Feb 2025 · Sold by Workman Publishing Company
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About this ebook
In this beautifully illustrated book that's Song of Achilles meets Secret Life of Trees, readers will discover the plants cultivated by the Greek Gods–many of which can still be experimented with today–for a myriad of uses.
In Greek mythology, plants were used for tools, intoxication, warfare, food, medicine, magic, and rituals. When Prometheus stole fire from the Olympian gods and gave it to mankind, he hid it in a stalk of giant fennel. Ancient Greeks waiting to question the oracles were given cannabis as part of their cleansing rituals. A quince fruit started the Trojan war. The goddess Demeter was so distraught when Hades kidnapped her daughter that she caused winter to blanket the earth, killing all plants.
Mythic Plants focuses on how the ancient Greeks used plants in their lives and loves and conquests—some of which we can still use.
Includes tips throughout for bringing these ancient plants into your garden.
In Greek mythology, plants were used for tools, intoxication, warfare, food, medicine, magic, and rituals. When Prometheus stole fire from the Olympian gods and gave it to mankind, he hid it in a stalk of giant fennel. Ancient Greeks waiting to question the oracles were given cannabis as part of their cleansing rituals. A quince fruit started the Trojan war. The goddess Demeter was so distraught when Hades kidnapped her daughter that she caused winter to blanket the earth, killing all plants.
Mythic Plants focuses on how the ancient Greeks used plants in their lives and loves and conquests—some of which we can still use.
Includes tips throughout for bringing these ancient plants into your garden.
In this beautifully illustrated book that's Song of Achilles meets Secret Life of Trees, readers will discover the plants cultivated by the Greek Gods–many of which can still be experimented with today–for a myriad of uses.
In Greek mythology, plants were used for tools, intoxication, warfare, ...
Ratings and reviews
1 review
Susan Dara (RedReviews4You)
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March 21, 2025
This book has shown me so much about the origins of the traditions and beliefs, the fears and superstitions, our cultural reactions, and even our impulse to find Good Luck Charms and habits that still impact us today which grew out of Classical Greece. With the most beautiful gilt images that open each chapter this book is a beautiful as it is easy to read. I have a few books like this, but they read like textbooks or dictionaries, not so with Mythic Plants.
About the author
Ellen Zachos is a Harvard graduate and the author of eleven books including The Wildcrafted Cocktail, Growing Healthy Houseplants, The Forager’s Pantry, and How to Forage for Wild Edible Plants Without Dying. Ellen’s first career was on Broadway (cast of Les Miz, among others), but the gift of a peace lily on opening night opened her eyes to the wonderful world of plants. Ellen taught at the New York Botanic Garden for many years, and also served as Coordinator of the Gardening Department in Continuing Ed, before moving to Santa Fe, NM. Ellen was named a Great American Gardener by the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival and continues to speak at conferences, garden clubs and flower shows across the country. Her eleventh book Mythic Plants: Potions and Poisons from the Gardens of the Gods was published in 2025 by Workman Publishing.
Ellen Zachos is a Harvard graduate and the author of eleven books including The Wildcrafted Cocktail, Growing Healthy Houseplants, The Forager’s Pantry, and How to Forage for Wild Edible Plants Without Dying. Ellen’s first career was on Broadway (cast of Les Miz, among others), but the gift of a ...
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