The Stories of the Constellations

The following descriptions of the constellations of the northern hemisphere are arranged alphabetically by their classical Greek names. Click on the name below to view a page with information on that constellation. I have reworked this portion of the mythology page since I usually had at least one student who would choose to print his or her myth only to find out that the entire 36 page document would print, not just the bit that was needed. I'm hoping users find this page helpful.

After each name is a short narrative explaining unique characteristics of the constellation that may have contributed either to its changing importance within different cultures, associations made between its appearance and specific activities (seasonal plantings, harvests, etc.) or other pieces of pertinent information. The mythological descriptions that appear are arranged chronologically as their respective cultures developed. Following each myth's description is a cross reference to other constellations that may be included within the oral tradition of the myth. The images that illustrate the classical Greek mythologies were painted by an unknown artist at the Villa Farnese in Caprarola, Italy sometime around 1573. These images can be found in "The Glorious Constellations" a wholly remarkable book written by Giuseppe Maria Sesti and a must have for any collector of things mythological.

To view the image of the classical constellation, click on the name of the constellation when you are on its story page