Custom and Myth / New Edition

Name: Custom and Myth / New Edition
Author: Andrew Lang

By Andrew Lang

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About This Book

A collection of essays applies an anthropological method to the study of folklore, arguing that ritual, language, and social custom shape mythic narratives and that diffusion and limited independent invention both account for cross-cultural similarities. It surveys totemism and rites of vegetation, considers the method of folklore, and analyzes specific cases — the bull-roarer, the myth of Cronus, Cupid and Psyche, a far-travelled tale, Apollo and the mouse, star myths, mandrake lore, the Kalevala, divining rods, Hottentot beliefs, fetishism, early family structures, and savage art — drawing parallels among classical, Indian, and indigenous traditions.

About the Author

Andrew Lang

Andrew Lang was a Scottish poet, novelist, and literary critic, known for his contributions to folklore and mythology. He is perhaps best recognized for his work "A Collection of Ballads," which showcases his interest in traditional narratives. Lang was a prolific writer, producing numerous essays and books on various subjects, including history and literature. His literary style often blended humor with scholarly insight, making his works accessible to a broad audience. In addition to his original writings, he is celebrated for his role in popularizing fairy tales through his collections, which have become integral to the study of folklore.