Myth: Key Concepts in Religion

by Robert Ellwood

Overview

"The book will be a superb introduction to mythological studies for a long time to come." -William G. Doty, Professor Emeritus at the University of Alabama/Tuscaloosa author of Myth: A Handbook (University of Alabama Press, 2007)
Structured around a typical program of study, Robert Ellwood's accessible introduction covers all the major theories concerning the meaning and interpretation of myth, from structuralist to psychoanalytic, and includes illustrative examples throughout, including modern literary and cinematic myths, from Star Wars to The Lord of the Rings.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781847062352
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	02/04/2009
Series:	Key Concepts in Religion
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.39(d)

About the Author

Robert Ellwood was Professor of Religion at the University of Southern California from 1967 until his retirement in 1997. He is author or editor of over 25 books, including textbooks in world religions and religious studies, histories, and works on spirituality.

Table of Contents

1. Encountering Myth
2. Types and Theories of Myth
3. Creation Myths
4. The Hero's Jourbaney: The Warrior
5. The Hero's Jourbaney: The Saviour
6. Eschatological Myth: The End of the World
7. Myths of Evil
8. Nationalistic Myth
9. The Sources of Myth
10. The Psychology of Myth
11. Mythologists 12. Modern Myth

Editorial Reviews

'The clarity of writing is superb-doubtless related to the sensitive perception of myth that indicates Ellwood's great familiarity with the subject ... A very gracious history of mythological studies is admirably brought in alongside the more general explications of types of myths, and historically important mythographers are introduced quite accessibly. The book will be a superb introduction to mythological studies for a long time to come.' William G. Doty is Professor Emeritus at the University of Alabama/Tuscaloosa

From the Publisher