Hittite Myths, Second Edition

This work is a short compilation of the various fragments of Hittite myths which are known. The work is useful in comparative studies regarding Middle-Eastern and Indo-European studies, though probably more on the former than the latter. Hittite is often overlooked by students because we have been able to translate it only recently. Consequently it is a fairly new field for scholars. Strangely, there is no reason to think the corpus will remain forever closed as new tablets are frequently unearthed. Consequently this needs to be seen as representing our current state of knowledge on the subject, and it is extremely valuable in that it opens new avenues for exploration. However, there are some difficulties too. The surviving works are fragmentary, and often parts are illegible. Hence the translations not these gaps. This makes for difficult reading, but the translator has handled this responsibly. Highly recommended to all students of related fields.

Hoffner provides us with an affordable and readable translation of Hittite myths. One may not be familar with the Hittite versions but if one knows Greek or Mesopotamian myths one will discover much in common. Enough for a strong inluence across cultures is a mater best left to each reader.