Victorian comparative religion
This volume connects Norse mythology's Balder myth to European fire festivals and vegetation rituals. Part of the expanded third edition, it extensively documents fire festivals across Europe including Beltane, Midsummer, Halloween, and Yule celebrations. Frazer interprets these festivals as survivals of ancient solar or vegetation magic designed to promote fertility, protect against evil, and ensure seasonal renewal. The work catalogs bonfire customs, fire-leaping, burning effigies, and protective fire rituals from across rural Europe.
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