The Life-Giving Myth

by A. M. Hocart

Overview

Myths are the expression of a form of knowledge essential to life. Including mainly previously unpublished work by A.M. Hocart the book examines such issues as:
Why a queen should not have been married before; why a guest is sacred; why people are believed to have been turned into stone; how money originated.
These issues are considered as part of a socio-religious complex embraced in many parts of the world, both East and West. (There are chapters on the UK, India, Sri Lanka, Africa, Fiji, Egypt, and Ancient Greece).

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415866705
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/28/2013
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	254
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

1. The Life-giving Myth2. Flying Through the Air3. Turning into Stone4. The Common Sense of Myth5. The Purpose of Ritual6. Ritual and Emotion7. The Origin of Monotheism8. The Divinity of the Guest9. Yakshas and Vaddas10. Money11. Modern Critique12. In the Grip of Tradition13. Snobbery14. Chastity15. Saviours16. The Age-Limit17. Childhood Ceremonies18. Baptism by Fire19. Initiation and Manhood20. Initiation and Healing21. Tattooing and Healing22. Kinship Systems23. Blood-Brotherhood24. Covenants25. The Uterine Nephew26. Why Study Saves?27. Are Savages Custom-Bound?28. From Ancient to Modern Egypt29. India and the Pacific30. Decadence in India