Description
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.
About the Author
Michael Buonanno is a professor of English and anthropology at the State College of Florida: Manatee/Sarasota. His previous publications have appeared in The Journal of American Folklore and New York Folklore. He lives in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Reviews
"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
Book Information
ISBN 9780786497126
Author Michael Buonanno
Format Paperback
Page Count 323
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 422g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 17mm
