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The Meaning of Myth in World Cultures

Michael Buonanno author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:McFarland & Co Inc

Published:20th Dec '18

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

The Meaning of Myth in World Cultures cover

Mythology--circulated in sacred stories (myths) and their reenactments (rituals)--is the basis of any society's religion, and religion is an essential key to identity. Mythology's meaning depends on the elaboration of identity in cultural metaphors that are at the same time ecological (arising from a society's environmental exploitation), sociological (based on indigenous social relations) and ideological (couched in terms of a society's worldview). But tellingly, these metaphors are embodied in anthropomorphic spirits, fostering a deep sense of identification with those spirits as well as with individuals who share in one's spiritual devotions.

This study examines mythology from a global perspective, citing case studies in cultural traditions from Africa, Europe, Oceania, Native America and elsewhere.

“An ambitious book, one which introduces readers to myths from numerous and varied traditions from across the globe, as well as offering both a history and theoretical study of mythology.... There is much to recommend in this book.... The variety of myths and cultures covered is impressive”—Journal of Folklore Research

ISBN: 9780786497126

Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 17mm

Weight: 422g

323 pages