The Myth and Ritual Theory An Anthology

by Segal, Robert A.

• ISBN13: 9780631206804
• ISBN10: 0631206809
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1998-02-04
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Summary

In this collection, Robert Segal, one of the leading interpreters of theories of myth, seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the myth and ritual theory.

Author Biography

Robert A. Segal is Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Lancaster University. He previously taught in the United States and has held positions at Stanford, Louisiana State University, University of Pittsburgh and Tulane. He has published widely in the field of religious studies, including three previous books on myth and ritual.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Original Formulation of the Theory

Lectures on the Religion of the Semites

The Development of Theory

The Golden Bough

Themis

The Myth and Ritual Pattern of the Ancient East

Application of Theory to the Ancient World

Excursus on the Ritual Forms Preserved in Greek Tragedy

A Ritual Basis for Hesiod's Theogony

New Year Festivals

Application of the Theory Worldwide

The Life-giving Myth

The Beginnings of Religion

Myth in Primitive Psychology

Myth and Reality

Application of the Theory to Literature

The Hero of Tradition

From Ritual to Romance

The Archetypes of Literature

The Ritual View of Myth and the Mythic

The Idea of a Theater

The Myth and Ritual Approach to Shakespearean Tragedy

What is Myth?

Revisions of the Theory

Thespis

Myths and Rituals: A General Theory

Homo Necans

Structure and Dialectics

Evaluations of the Theory

The Dramas and Dramatic Dances of Non-European Races

Introduction to Apollodorus, The Library

The Evidence of Divine Kings in Greece

The Myth and Ritual Position Critically Examined

The Myth-Ritual Theory

The Ritual Theory of Myth

Prospects

Further Reading

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.