Description
Book SynopsisDefines myth, ritual, and religion. The author locates his work in the context of culture and the history of ideas, and he is not hesitant to draw on sociology and biology. It is suitable for philosophers, historians, and even theologians, as well as for classicists and historians of Greek culture.
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations
Acknowledgments
Preface
Abbreviations
I. THE ORGANIZATION OF MYTH
1. Tales, Texts, and Reference
2. Propp's Heritage and Illuyankas
3. The Impact of Levi-Strauss and Its Limitations
4. Programs of Action
5. Crystallizations: Kumarbi and Kronos
6. The Tale Applied
7. The Historical Dimension
8. Successive Layers and Prehistoric Beginnings
II. THE PERSISTENCE OF RITUAL
1. The Biological Approach
2. Herms, Libations, and Branches
3. The Demonstrative and the As-If Element in Ritual
4. First-Fruits Offerings
5. The Evolution of Animal Sacrifice
6. Myth and Ritual
III. TRANSFORMATIONS OF THE SCAPEGOAT
1. Erythrai, Hittites, and Devotio
2. Scapegoat and Pharmakos
3. The Dynamics of the Pattern
4. Polycrite, The Virgins of Leuctra, and Tarpeia
IV. HERACLES AND THE MASTER OF ANIMALS
1. Greek Origins?
2. The Oriental Evidence
3. Geryon
4. Cacus, Indra, and Melampus
5. Shamans and Caves
6. Hunter, Hero, Savior
V. THE GREAT GoDDESS, ADONIS, AND HIPPOLYTUS
1. The Dying God
2. Kubaba-Cybele-Meter
3. From Dumuzi to Adonis Cult
4. The Myths ofDumuzi, Adonis, and Attis
5. Hippolytus
6. The Hunters' Legacy
VI. FROM TELEPINUS TO THELPUSA: IN SEARCH OF
DEMETER
1. Telepinus
2. Phigalia and Thelpusa: Demeter's Wrath
3. The Plank and the Pectoral
4. Daidala
5. Eiresione and Daphnephoria
6. The Woods, the Tree, and the Sacrifice
7. Mother and Daughter: The Crystallization of Greek
Mythology
Notes to Chapter I
Notes to Chapter II
Notes to Chapter III
Notes to Chapter IV
Notes to Chapter V
Notes to Chapter VI
Bibliography
Selected Index
