Myth

Where do myths come from? What is their function and what do they mean? In this Very Short Introduction Robert Segal introduces the array of approaches used to understand the study of myth. These approaches hail from disciplines as varied as anthropology, sociology, psychology, literary criticism, philosophy, science, and religious studies. Including ideas from theorists as varied as Sigmund Freud, Claude Lévi-Strauss, Albert Camus, and Roland Barthes, Segal uses the famous ancient myth of Adonis to analyse their individual approaches and theories. In this new edition, he not only considers the future study of myth, but also considers the interactions of myth theory with cognitive science, the implications of the myth of Gaia, and the differences between story-telling and myth. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Where do myths come from? What is their function and what do they mean? In this Very Short Introduction Robert Segal introduces the array of approaches used to understand the study of myth. These approaches hail from disciplines as varied as anthropology, sociology, psychology, literary criticism, philosophy, science, and religious studies. Including ideas from theorists as varied as Sigmund Freud, Claude Lévi-Strauss, Albert Camus, and Roland Barthes, Segal uses the famous ancient myth of Adonis to analyse their individual approaches and theories. In this new edition, he not only considers the future study of myth, but also considers the interactions of myth theory with cognitive science, the implications of the myth of Gaia, and the differences between story-telling and myth. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Humans have always told stories, and myths have been used for millennia as a means of storytelling. A good tale can deliver an important message, an understanding of deeper emotional conflicts, or perhaps act as a light piece of entertainment. Myths have always been a useful lens to see reality through, as well as granting explanations for the unexplainable. Myth provides detailed information on a wide range of myths and legends throughout history and across the globe. Ancient myths of Egypt, Rome, Greece, Scandinavia and the Celtic world are explored alongside the legends of Native Americans, Australian Aborigines, Aztecs and Incas, Africa and Asia. From Aphrodite to King Arthur and the Epic of Gilgamesh to Mayan death gods, here you will find a guide to the specific traditions as well as an exploration of common themes in myths worldwide including creation, love, quests and the underworld. This is an indispensable guide for any mythology enthusiasts.

Humans have always told stories, and myths have been used for millennia as a means of storytelling. A good tale can deliver an important message, an understanding of deeper emotional conflicts, or perhaps act as a light piece of entertainment. Myths have always been a useful lens to see reality through, as well as granting explanations for the unexplainable. Myth provides detailed information on a wide range of myths and legends throughout history and across the globe. Ancient myths of Egypt, Rome, Greece, Scandinavia and the Celtic world are explored alongside the legends of Native Americans, Australian Aborigines, Aztecs and Incas, Africa and Asia. From Aphrodite to King Arthur and the Epic of Gilgamesh to Mayan death gods, here you will find a guide to the specific traditions as well as an exploration of common themes in myths worldwide including creation, love, quests and the underworld. This is an indispensable guide for any mythology enthusiasts.

Laurence Coupe offers students a comprehensive overview of the development of myth, showing how mythic themes, structures and symbols persist in literature and entertainment today. This introductory volume: illustrates the relation between myth, culture and literature with discussions of poetry, fiction, film and popular song explores uses made of the term ‘myth’ within the fields of literary criticism, anthropology, cultural studies, feminism, Marxism and psychoanalysis discusses the association between modernism, postmodernism, myth and history familiarizes the reader with themes such as the dying god, the quest for the Grail, the relation between ‘chaos’ and ‘cosmos’, and the vision of the end of time demonstrates the growing importance of the green dimension of myth. Fully updated and revised in this new edition, Myth is both a concise introduction and a useful tool to students first approaching the topic, while also a valuable contribution to the study of myth.

Laurence Coupe offers students a comprehensive overview of the development of myth, showing how mythic themes, structures and symbols persist in literature and entertainment today. This introductory volume: illustrates the relation between myth, culture and literature with discussions of poetry, fiction, film and popular song explores uses made of the term ‘myth’ within the fields of literary criticism, anthropology, cultural studies, feminism, Marxism and psychoanalysis discusses the association between modernism, postmodernism, myth and history familiarizes the reader with themes such as the dying god, the quest for the Grail, the relation between ‘chaos’ and ‘cosmos’, and the vision of the end of time demonstrates the growing importance of the green dimension of myth. Fully updated and revised in this new edition, Myth is both a concise introduction and a useful tool to students first approaching the topic, while also a valuable contribution to the study of myth.