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An Introduction to Mythology
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Victorian solar mythology and comparative religion

An Introduction to Mythology: A Comprehensive Study of Myths, Their Origins, Forms, and Functions

George W. Cox18730
Introductorycomplete

George W. Cox's foundational introduction to mythology as scholarly subject, examining the nature of myths, their origins, development, and functions across cultures. Analyzes how myths arise from human attempts to explain natural phenomena, social customs, and divine reality. Traces mythological patterns and motifs across diverse cultural traditions. Establishes comparative mythology as legitimate academic discipline.

Also known asMythology Introduction · Mythological Study
This edition1873
EditionGeorge W. Cox's foundational introduction to mythology, explaining the nature, origins, and functions of myths across cultures.
Comparative MythologyCreation MythsMythologyComparative ReligionFolklore StudiesTransformation mythsCross-CulturalClassical mythologyHistory of ReligionsWestern Anthropological / Folklorepattern identificationsolar mythologyHero mythologyMythological traditionMythmaking

Archive Paths

Comparative Religion

Comparative religion texts on ritual, myth, sacrifice, belief, ancient religion, and cross-cultural theories of sacred practice.

Comparative Mythology

Comparative mythology texts on gods, hero cycles, symbolic patterns, classical myth, Indo-European myth, and cross-cultural mythic structures.

Folklore Studies

Folklore studies texts on folk tales, fairy belief, superstition, regional customs, oral tradition, and the collection of vernacular belief.

Contents30 chapters

  1. 01AN INTRODUCTION TO MYTHOLOGY
  2. 02LEWIS SPENCE
  3. 03PREFACE
  4. 04AN INTRODUCTION TO MYTHOLOGY
  5. 05CHAPTER I
  6. 06INTRODUCTORY
  7. 07CHAPTER II
  8. 08THE PROGRESS OF MYTHIC SCIENCE
  9. 09CHAPTER III
  10. 10THE EVOLUTION OF THE GODS
  11. 11CHAPTER IV
  12. 12THE VARIOUS TYPES OF DEITY
  13. 13CHAPTER V
  14. 14THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF MYTH
  15. 15CHAPTER VI
  16. 16THE MAKING OF THE WORLD AND OF MAN (COSMOGONY)
  17. 17CHAPTER VII
  18. 18PARADISE AND THE PLACE OF PUNISHMENT
  19. 19CHAPTER VIII
  20. 20FOLKLORE AND MYTH
  21. 21CHAPTER IX
  22. 22RITUAL AND MYTH
  23. 23CHAPTER X
  24. 24THE WRITTEN SOURCES OF MYTH
  25. 25CHAPTER XI
  26. 26THE GREAT MYTHIC SYSTEMS OF THE WORLD
  27. 27THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
  28. 28"Cover"
  29. 29The Project Gutenberg eBook of An Introduction to Mythology, by Lewis Spence.
  30. 30The Project Gutenberg eBook of An Introduction to Mythology, by Lewis Spence.

Contributors

George W. Coxeditor

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