Comparative Mythology

In a magisterial work, Jaan Puhvel unravels the prehistoric Indo-European origins of the traditions of India and Iran, Greece and Rome, of the Celts, Germans, Balts, and Slavs. Utilizing the methodologies of historical linguistics and archaeology, he reconstructs a shared religious, mythological, and cultural heritage. Separate chapters on individual traditions as well as on recurrent themes—god and warrior, king and virgin, fire and water—give life to Comparative Mythology as both a general introduction and a detailed reference.

Since its release in 1949, The Hero with a Thousand Faces has influenced millions of readers by combining the insights of modern psychology with Joseph Campbell's revolutionary understanding of comparative mythology. In this book, Campbell outlines the Hero's Journey, a universal motif of adventure and transformation that runs through virtually all of the world's mythic traditions. He also explores the Cosmogonic Cycle, the mythic pattern of world creation and destruction.

The Way of Fire and Ice reimagines Norse Paganism with mystical practices and rituals for today's world as well as tips for building community and resisting fascism. This approach to working with Norse deities and beliefs is a living, adaptable tradition, representing a strong alternative to the reconstructionist perspectives of Asatru and Heathenry.

Alan Watts is today remembered as a trailblazing interpreter of Eastern philosophy, but The Two Hands of God reveals a different side of his multifaceted genius. In this ambitious work, Watts takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the mythology of China, Egypt, India, the Middle East, and medieval Europe. His theme is the human experience of polarity, a condition in which opposing qualities define and complement each other. Watts illustrates the way great sages and artists across time have seen beyond the apparent duality of the universe to find a deeper unity.

Scott Cunningham's classic introduction to Wicca is about how to live life magically, spiritually, and wholly attuned with nature. It is a book of sense and common sense, not only about magick but also about religion and one of the most critical issues of today: how to achieve the much-needed and wholesome relationship with our Earth. Cunningham presents Wicca as it is today: a gentle, Earth-oriented religion dedicated to the Goddess and God. Wicca also includes Cunningham's own Book of Shadows.

The legends of the Norse and Germanic regions of Europe—spanning from Germany and Austria across Scandinavia to Iceland and England—include a broad range of mythical characters and places, from Odin and Thor, to berserkers and Valhalla, to the Valkyries and Krampus. In this encyclopedia, Claude Lecouteux explores the origins, connections, and tales behind many gods, goddesses, magical beings, rituals, folk customs, and mythical places of Norse and Germanic tradition.

Baffled by Buddhism? Confused by Catholicism? Mystified by Mysticism? World Religions can lift the cloud surrounding the main faiths of the world. Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and many more key faiths are explained clearly; providing detailed insight into the key practices and figures of each religion, this is perfect for those beginning their exploration into faith, or for those just needing a quick reference tool. World Religions details the beliefs from modern Scientology to the world's oldest faith - Zoroastrianism - and everything in between.

A controversial examination of the influence and presence of the Norse god Odin in contemporary history and culture.

Discover the fascinating history and evolution of the Great Goddess, one of the most important deities in Hinduism. This book explores the complex and multifaceted nature of the Great Goddess, drawing on both Brahmanical and non-Brahmanical religious traditions. It examines how the Goddess's identity has evolved over time and how she has been associated with a variety of cosmogonic principles, such as sakti, maya, and prakrti. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in Hinduism, the Great Goddess, or the role of goddesses in world religions. It is also a valuable resource for ...

At a time when we are all confronted by not one, but many crossroads in our modern lives - identity, technology, trust, politics, and a global pandemic - celebrated mythologist and wilderness guide Martin Shaw delivers Smoke Hole: three metaphors to help us understand our world, one that is assailed by the seductive promises of social media and shadowed by a health crisis that has brought loneliness and isolation to an all-time high.

Was Jesus created from paganism? Are the Norse gods real? Can Wicca answer all your burning questions? Is Buddhist reincarnation logical? Mark Tabata covers these and many more in this study, designed to help you better understand what these religions actually teach, what their origins are, and how to determine which (if any) are true. This is a perfect tool to use with those who have embraced Wicca, Norse mythology, or Buddhism, showing the truth of Jesus Christ to them in love and logic. Mark Tabata is an evangelist for the church of Christ.