Hindu Gods and Heroes by Lionel D. Barnett (1913) offers a vivid introduction to the great deities, myths, and epic traditions of Hinduism. Written in the early 20th century by a noted Indologist, the book explains the religious significance of gods like Vishnu, Shiva, and Krishna, and retells the great stories of the Mahābhārata and the Rāmāyaṇa in an accessible way.
Barnett’s work belongs to the classic period of Western scholarship on Indian religions. It is both a cultural history and an attempt to introduce Western readers to the poetic and devotional imagination of Hindu thought. The text explores the shifting roles of gods across centuries, how heroes became divine, and how myth, philosophy, and ritual intersect in Indian religious life.
Though written over a century ago, this work still provides a useful entry point for readers new to Hinduism. It combines scholarly precision with an engaging narrative style that opens up the epics and their characters to a general audience. For students of religion, mythology, and comparative culture, Hindu Gods and Heroes remains a valuable public domain resource.
Download the free PDF e-book here: