The Evolution of the Dragon
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Hyperdiffusionism and Egyptological anthropology

The Evolution of the Dragon

G. Elliot Smith1919
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Anthropological study tracing dragon mythology from ancient Egypt across world cultures. Smith argues dragon myths originated in Egypt with deification of life-giving water and spread globally through cultural diffusion. Examines evolution from water deities to serpent symbolism to composite dragon creatures. Traces connections between Egyptian mythology, Mesopotamian traditions, Indian nagas, Chinese dragons, and European dragon lore. Presents hyperdiffusionist theory that all major myths originated in Egypt and spread worldwide.

Also known asSmith on Dragons · Myth of the Dragon
This edition1919
EditionPublished by Longmans, Green and Co., London. Based on lectures delivered at John Rylands Library, Manchester.
Comparative MythologyHyperdiffusionismCreation MythsCultural DiffusionCross-Culturaldragon mythology worldwideserpent symbolismHistory of religionritual documentationsympathetic magiczodiacal symbolism

Contents53 chapters

  1. 01THE EVOLUTION OF THE DRAGON
  2. 02PREFACE.
  3. 03CONTENTS.
  4. 04LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
  5. 05ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE TEXT.
  6. 06Chapter I.
  7. 07INCENSE AND LIBATIONS.[3]
  8. 08The Beginning of Stone-Working.
  9. 09The Origin of Embalming.
  10. 10Early Mummies.
  11. 11The Significance of Libations.
  12. 12Early Biological Theories.
  13. 13Incense.
  14. 14The Breath of Life.
  15. 15The Power of the Eye.
  16. 16The Moon and the Sky-World.
  17. 17The Worship of the Cow.
  18. 18The Diffusion of Culture.
  19. 19Summary.
  20. 20APPENDIX A.
  21. 21APPENDIX B.
  22. 22APPENDIX C.
  23. 23Chapter II.
  24. 24DRAGONS AND RAIN GODS.[130]
  25. 25The Dragon in America and Eastern Asia.
  26. 26The Evolution of the Dragon.
  27. 27The Dragon Myth.
  28. 28The Thunder-Weapon.[203]
  29. 29The Deer.
  30. 30The Ram.
  31. 31The Pig.
  32. 32Certain Incidents in the Dragon Myth.
  33. 33The Ethical Aspect.
  34. 34Chapter III.
  35. 35THE BIRTH OF APHRODITE.[235]
  36. 36The Search for the Elixir of Life. Blood as Life.
  37. 37The Cowry as a Giver of Life.
  38. 38The Origin of Clothing.
  39. 39Pearls.
  40. 40Sharks and Dragons.
  41. 41The Octopus.
  42. 42The Swastika.
  43. 43The Mother Pot
  44. 44Artemis and the Guardian of the Portal.
  45. 45The Mandrake.
  46. 46The Measurement of Time.
  47. 47The Seven-headed Dragon.
  48. 48The Pig.
  49. 49Gold and the Golden Aphrodite.
  50. 50Aphrodite as the Thunder-stone.
  51. 51The Serpent and the Lioness.
  52. 52THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
  53. 53"Cover"

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