Historical Parallels, Vol. 1 (of 3)

A historical account written in the mid-19th century. The work presents a comparative analysis of various historical events and figures, connecting the myths and tales of ancient Greece with similar narratives and themes from other historical periods and regions. It opens with a focus on the early mythic period of Greek history, exploring Greek heroes and their parallels in other cultures. The beginning of the text introduces the reader to the author's approach to historical writing, which emphasizes the relationships and influences between different cultures over time. It contrasts the savage early society of Greece, exemplified through its legendary heroes, with comparable conditions in other regions, such as Scandinavia during its Viking age. Malkin primarily discusses figures like Hercules and Theseus as embodiments of certain virtues, illustrating their narratives against the backdrop of contemporary or mythological equivalents in other times and places, including reflections on the societal conditions that shaped such characters. This opening sets the stage for a broader examination of human nature as depicted in these intertwined historical narratives.