Ritual and belief

Name: Ritual and belief
Author: Edwin Sidney Hartland

By Edwin Sidney Hartland

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Archaeology & Anthropology History - Religious Religion/Spirituality

About This Book

A series of analytical essays surveys the origins and development of religious ideas and practices, arguing that ritual and social context must be investigated alongside myth and belief. The work critiques narrow philological explanations and contrasts theories such as animism and the transformation of ancestral ghosts into deities, advocating comparative anthropology and attention to folk customs. Chapters trace methodological shifts, examine rites connected with the dead, possession, and worship, and offer ethnographic examples to show how concepts of soul, deity, and supernatural agency may have evolved. Overall it promotes a multidisciplinary, ritual-centred approach to the study of religion.

About the Author

Edwin Sidney Hartland

Edwin Sidney Hartland was a notable English folklorist and writer, recognized for his contributions to the study of mythology and folklore. His work often explored the intersection of ritual and belief, as exemplified in his influential book "Ritual and Belief." Hartland is also well-known for his extensive three-volume examination of the legend of Perseus, which delves into the narrative's cultural significance and variations across different societies. His scholarly approach to fairy tales, particularly in "The Science of Fairy Tales," reflects his dedication to understanding the underlying themes and structures of folklore. Hartland's research has left a lasting impact on the fields of folklore studies and comparative mythology.