Colloquium Ex Arches Ohio State University 2018

For use of the participants in my seminars on ancient popular narrative lore at the University of Athens. Based mostly on my personal library and collection. It includes a list of handy and useful editions and translations of ancient Near-Eastern texts (Egypt, Mesopotamia, Israel and Syria, Ugarit, Hittites, Iran, India). The selection of reference works and research studies on ancient folklore and popular narratives is unavoidably personal and reflects mainly the works which I have found most useful in my own studies.

Journal of Literature and Art Studies , 2015

Starting with a personal definition of "myth" , this paper seeks to substantiate the claim that every myth is essentially etiological, in the sense that myths somehow express a cosmogony or an eschatology, whether particular or universal. In order to do that, this study reassesses Classical and Judeo-Christian mythologies to revisit and contrast the narratives of origin—of the cosmos, of the gods and of men—found in ancient polytheism and in Judeo-Christian monotheism. Taking into consideration how these general and particular cosmogonies convey a specific understanding of the passage of time, this article does not merely recount the cosmogonies, theogonies, and anthropogonies found in the Bible and in the works of authors from Classical Antiquity, but it also incorporates a critical commentary on pieces of art and literature that have reinterpreted such mythical tales in more recent times. The result of the research is the disclosure of a sort of universal etiology that may be found in mythology which, as argued, explains the origins of the world, of the gods, and of men so as to satisfy humankind's ambition to unveil the mysteries of the cosmos. Myth thus functions in these cases as a vehicle that makes it possible for man to return the fullness of a primordial age, abandoning the fleeting time that entraps him and entering a time still absolute.

There is a basic traditional pattern that underlies transculturally almost all the rites of initiation in the history of human civilisation. Scholars use the terms “initiatory scenario” or “initiatory structure” for this standard outline of ritual steps. The basic initiatory scenario is divided into three main phases: preparation, voyage, and rebirth. The first stage, the preparation, is the preliminary phase in which the main frame and parameters of the initiation are set. The novice or initiand is detached from his everyday milieu and undergoes various rites of purification and spiritual reinforcement. The second stage, the voyage, forms the core of the experience of the initiation and determines its outcome. The initiand is given the mission to travel to a faraway location, an otherworld which lies beyond the ordinary sphere of profane society and emblematises the space of the Sacred. The initiand’s mission is a katabasis to the netherworld, a passage into the spiritual dimension of the beyond, and represents a virtual death. This long stage is interspersed with numerous ordeals. The third stage of the initiatory scenario is identified with rebirth and represents the subject’s come-back to the ordinary world as a new being. The scenario of initiation was already exploited as a literary framework in the ancient world. The age-old epics of ancient Mesopotamia ("Descent of Inanna", "Gilgamesh") develop a storyline following the typical phases of the initiatory experience. In ancient Greek literature, Odysseus, the emblematic protagonist of the voyage myth and distant descendant of Gilgamesh, may be viewed as an initiatory hero. The Odyssey can be read as a vast mystic narrative, revolving around the central experience of the hero’s descent to the netherworld, the Nekyia, significantly placed at the very middle of the epic. Two other literary genres exploit the initiatory scenario as a basis for their plots and narratives. Aristophanic Old Comedy often involves voyages into otherworlds and superhuman ordeals for the acquisition of a hidden power or knowledge. The most mystical work of the Aristophanic oeuvre is undoubtedly the "Frogs"; its protagonist, the god Dionysus, undergoes a multi-levelled initiation, which combines the standard transcultural scheme with specific elements of the Eleusinian rituals. Other Aristophanic comedies ("Birds", "Peace", "Knights") also involve extensive scenarios of initiation. Graeco-Roman novels make extensive use of the initiatory structure as a basis for their plots. They organise the adventures of the characters according to the typical tripartite scheme of the initiatory scenario, and incorporate many incidents and plot elements which reflect the traditional ordeals of the initiand in mystic rituals. The underlying pattern of initiation gives greater spiritual depth to the story of the heroes’ life and resonates on a profound psychological level of the audience, affording more excitement and satisfaction in the process of reading. In Apuleius' "Metamorphoses", the protagonist, Lucius, has the yearning for the transcendent, the desire to infiltrate into the numinous beyond, but his craving has assumed an erroneous and misleading form. Instead of trying to connect with the spiritual world through mystic initiation and the respected Isiac religion, Lucius turns towards magic and the occult. As a result, he is identified with the animal of Seth, the symbol of evil, and suffers many hardships. In the end, he becomes an adherent of Isis and is fully metamorphosed through his initiation into divine gnosis. Similarly, in the "Historia Apollonii Regis Tyri", Apollonius is spiritually gifted but cannot properly handle his inclination to secret knowledge. Because of his errors and transgressions, he is submitted to a long and painful process of initiatory ordeals, at the end of which he attains the true spirituality and gnosis.

London : T. Payne, Mews-Gate P. Elmsly, the Strand B. White, Fleet Street J. Walter, Charing-Cross + The New Alexandria Library- originally Published in 1774

This rare book published in 1774 is a comprehensive scholarly work that seeks to unravel and distill the essential truths embedded within the mythologies of various ancient civilizations. The first volume of this work explores the mythological systems of the Babylonians, Chaldeans, Egyptians, Canaanites, and Greek tribes like the Hellenes, Ionians, Leleges, and Dorians. Bryant presents a methodical approach to separate the original truths of ancient myths from later embellishments and transformations. The work covers a broad spectrum of religious, mythological, and cultural figures, emphasizing the fundamental ideas and themes common across these cultures. It also explores the development of these mythologies over time and seeks to uncover their roots. Through detailed analysis, Bryant proposes that ancient myths hold not just symbolic or religious meaning but contain elements of historical truth that, when properly interpreted, can reveal insights into the origins of human culture, religion, and philosophy. The first volume delves into the sacred texts and traditions of these civilizations, examining how their mythologies influenced their social structures, political systems, and daily lives. By comparing different mythological traditions and seeking out the universal themes within them, Bryant aims to restore the "original purity" of ancient myth and provide a clearer understanding of the ideas that shaped early civilizations. This work combines elements of comparative mythology, religion, history, and philology, presenting a scholarly perspective on how mythological stories evolved across different cultures. Bryant's analysis is an attempt to trace back to the "roots" of mythology, considering both historical and linguistic evidence in the context of the ancient world. Tags: Ancient Mythology, Jacob Bryant, Comparative Mythology, Babylonian Myths, Chaldean Myths, Egyptian Myths, Canaanite Myths, Hellenic Myths, Greek Mythology, Ionian Greeks, Dorian Greeks, Leleges, Mythological Deities, Ancient Gods, Religious Myths, Mythological Truths, Heroes in Mythology, Ancient Civilizations, Mesopotamian Mythology, Ancient Religions, Creation Myths, Ancient Gods and Goddesses, Ancient Fables, Sacred Texts, Mythological Heroes, Greek Pantheon, Egyptian Pantheon, Mythological Symbolism, Heroes and Gods, Religious Symbolism, Mythological Studies, Dorian Religion, Ionian Religion, Canaanite Religion, Mythological Themes, Historical Myths, Ancient Truths, Origins of Mythology, Ancient Wisdom, Mythological Origins, Cultural History, Philology, Comparative Studies, Theories of Mythology, Ancient Rituals, Mythological Archetypes, Myth and History, Historical Religion, Anthropology of Myth, Ancient Philosophy, Early Religious Systems, Prehistoric Religions, Sociopolitical Mythology, Deity Worship, Classical Mythology, Ancient Greek History, Early Egyptian Religion, Sumerian Myths, Babylonia’s Influence, Chaldean Deities, Egyptian Theogony, Canaanite Gods, Hellenic Theogony, Dorian Culture, Ionian Myths, Classical Heroes, Greek Religious Practices, Ancient Myth Structures, Mythical Cosmology, Ritualistic Mythology, Origin of Gods, Greek and Egyptian Mythology, Mesopotamian Deities, Egyptian Creation Myths, Babylonian Creation Myths, Genesis of Myths, Ancient Textual Analysis, Mythical Cosmologies, Philological Approaches, Ancient Myths in Culture, Social Structures and Myth, Political Systems in Mythology, Greek Heroic Literature, Mythic Symbolism in History, Comparative Theories of Mythology, Ancient Moral Systems, Mythical Ethics, Heroic Archetypes, Mythological Evolution, Pagan Gods, Pantheon History, Classical Heroes and Gods, Ancient Comparative Religion, Sacred Rituals, Babylonian Mythological Figures, Egyptian Mythological Figures, Greek Myths and Their Meaning, Ancient Hero Myths, Hellenistic Mythology, Mythology and Early Societies, Mythical Themes Across Cultures, Comparative Religious Myths, Egyptian vs. Greek Myths, Canaanite vs. Babylonian Myths, Ancient Origin Stories, Mythological Syncretism, Cultural Exchange in Myths, Early Mediterranean Myths, Origins of Ancient Mythologies, Myth as Social Explanation, The Role of Myth in Ancient Society, Polytheism and Mythology, Mythological Influence on Early Thought, Ancient Philosophical Myths, Sacred Mythologies of Ancient Egypt, Babylonia and Religion, Ancient History of Greece, Mythological Origins in Egypt, Gods of Babylonian Mythology, Role of Heroes in Ancient Myths, Divine Kingship in Mythology, Heroes and Deities in Ancient Greece, Mythical Histories, Old World Myths, Sacred Texts and Their Impact, Rituals in Babylonian Mythology, Religious Influence on Greek Myths, The Role of Creation Myths, Ancient Myths and Modern Interpretations

Longmans, Green and CO. 39 Paternnoster Row , London + New York and Bombay, 1897

CONTENTS CHAPTER I: Retrospect The Beginnings of Comparative Mythology, Mr. Herbert Spencer, &c. Story of Tuna from Mangaia. Proper Use of the Mythology of Uncivilized Peoples. Dr. Codrington on Totems. Meaning of ‘Primitive.’ Kronos and his Children. Fontenelle. Comparative Mythology founded. Names. Gervinus and Haupt. Controversies. Fermentation of Mythology. Study of Savage Tribes. My Defenders. Canizzaro. Sir Henry Maine. Mr. Horatio Hale. Professor Tiele. Kronos and Polynesian Folklore. M. Gaidoz. Influence of Language on Mythology. How Gender influences Mythology. The Moon. The Sun. Ideas fixed by Words. Importance of Mythology and Philosophy. Differences of Opinion Natural. Importance of Names. Help derived from Gender. Dual or Correlative Character of Deities. The Asvins and Helena. Many-sidedness of Ancient Gods. Etymology uncertain. Mythological and Historical Elements. Herakles, Alexander, Charlemagne. Mythology Anomalous. Stages of Mythology. Anomalous Names. Vedic Names. Folk-etymologies. Words without any Etymology. Study of Mythology changed. CHAPTER II: On the Problems and Methods of the Science of Mythology Three Schools of Mythological Study. Myth and History. Heroes. True Problem of Mythology. Our True Interest in Mythology. Disease of Language. Iroquois Stories. Mythology as a Psychological Problem. The Hyponoia of Mythology. Greek Views on the Meaning of Mythology. Gods as representing the Prominent Phenomena of Nature. The Weather and the Seasons. Saws about Weather. Historical Traditions. Enigmatic Language of Mythology. Gods with Intelligible Names. Helios and Selene. The Boat and the Herds of Helios. Selene. Apollon and Artemis. Gods with many Epithets, Hermes. Enigmatic Phase of Mythology. The Golden Apples. Montenegro Song of the Golden Apples. Sezjanian Riddles and Myths. Mordvinian Riddles and Greek Mythology. Mythology, no System. Mythographi. The Brothers Grimm, Schwartz, Castren. Had Gods and Heroes a Common Origin? Naturalia non sunt turpia. Heroes parallel with Gods. Helena both Goddess and Heroine. Dr. Hahn on Märchen. Beginnings of Mythology Lost. Schelling. Original Elements of Mythology. Male and Female Agents. Common Epithets of Physical Agents. What are the Devas? True Meaning of Deva. Mitra and Varuna. Names of the Devas in Modern Sanskrit or in Zend. Complementary Devas. Mitra and Varuna. How to compare Vedic and Greek Gods. The brilliant Haritas. Agni, Fire, Light, Sun. Indra. Ushas. Devas not restricted to one single Phenomenon. CHAPTER III: The Study of Specific Deities and Folklore Children of the Sun, Moon, &c. Eclipses of the Moon. Koi (Koit), the Dawn. Luonnotar. Water Deities. Earth Deities. Haltias. Abstract Deities. Subterrestrial Gods, and Ancestral Spirits. Castren’s Summing Up. Castren. Foreign Influences. The Mundane Egg. Physical Basis of the Ugro-Finnic Mythologies. CHAPTER IV: Psychological School of Comparative Mythology Ethno-psychological Studies. Dr. Gruppe. Sense of Shame. Discovery of Motives. Abstract Ideas among Savages. CHAPTER V: Phonetics Phonetic Rules, General and Special. Discovery of Phonetic Rules. Restricted Evidence for Phonetic Rules. Discussions about θεός. Comparative Philology at Leipzig in 1838. Bopp, Pott, Grimm. Grimm’s Law. Exceptions to Grimm’s Law. Lottner, Grassmann. Verner’s Law. Threefold Differentiation of Roots. Change of Place. Schleicher’s Ursprache. Dialects antecedent to Classical Speech. Aryan Vowels. Correspondence of Aryan Vowels. Unchangeability of Phonetic Laws. Analogy. Importance of Sanskrit. The Vedic Accent. Weak and Strong Terminations. Explanation of the Ablaut. Weakening and Strengthening of the Base. True Value of Phonetics. The Becoming of Letters. Aryan Vowels and their Legitimate Changes. The Accent. Ablaut. Instances. Assimilation (J. Schmidt). Consonants. Two Kinds of Palatals. Two Kinds of Gutturals. Application of Phonetic Rules to Proper Names. Local Names. Loss of Meaning entails Change of Form. Christian Names. Proper Names in Greek. Proper Names of Gods and Heroes. Dialectic Varieties of Proper Names. New Etymologies by Prof. Bechtel (Dionysos, Kerberos, Varvara, Zeus). θεός = Ushas. Dioskouroi = Divas putrasa. Trito and Tritogeneia. Helios, Mene, and Hestia. Erinys = Sarawyu. Helios. Athene. Poseidon. Hermes. Hera. Phoibos. Apollon. Ares. Artemis. Aphrodite. Anomalous Words of a more Ancient Stratum. Words with Different Etymologies. Prapides. Analogy and its Limits. Loss of Letters. Freedom in analyzing Mythological Names. Local Influence. Dialectic Varieties of Mythological Names. Aspirates, Sonant, and Surd. Mythological Names, Prehistoric. Daphne. Athene. Evidence necessarily limited. Gawapaçça. Briseis. Night and Clouds. Varuna. Orthros. Recapitulation. This rare and awe-inspiring book offers an in-depth exploration of the vast Collection of global mythology, blending scholarship with captivating storytelling. It traces the origins and evolution of mythological narratives from the dawn of civilization, revealing how humanity's earliest beliefs were shaped by a profound connection to nature, the cosmos, and the divine. Delving into the myths of ancient Egypt, Sumeria, Greece, and Rome, as well as lesser-known stories from Polynesia, Vedic traditions, and indigenous peoples, the book brings to life the gods, goddesses, and heroes who personified the forces of creation, destruction, and renewal. From the cosmic battles of Kronos and his children to the symbolic significance of the sun, moon, and seasons, each chapter sheds light on how myths functioned as both spiritual allegory and historical record. The work also uncovers the psychological and linguistic underpinnings of mythology, exploring how language itself influenced the formation of gods and sacred stories. It delves into the role of totems, primal symbols, and the enigmatic nature of deities who embody multiple, often contradictory, aspects of existence. With rich analysis on the effects of myth on both ancient and modern consciousness, it also offers insight into how mythology continues to shape philosophy, art, and religious thought today. Encompassing everything from the study of savage tribes and their gods to the sophisticated epics of classical antiquity, this book is not merely a scholarly work but a profound exploration of the shared human experience. It is a treasure trove of wisdom and cultural heritage for anyone fascinated by the mysteries of the past, the sacred, and the origins of human belief. tags- • Ancient Mythology, 2. Comparative Religion, 3. Mythological Symbols, 4. Deities in Folklore, 5. Gods and Heroes, 6. Primitive Beliefs, 7. Religious Philosophy, 8. Vedic Traditions, 9. Greek Mythology, 10. Roman Deities, 11. Egyptian Gods, 12. Sumerian Texts, 13. Totemism, 14. Polynesian Folklore, 15. Kronos Myths, 16. Cultural Anthropology, 17. Mythic Archetypes, 18. Ancient Rites, 19. Sacred Rituals, 20. Creation Myths, 21. Sun Worship, 22. Moon Deities, 23. Totem Symbols, 24. Nature Worship, 25. Heroic Legends, 26. Divine Myths, 27. Linguistic Anthropology, 28. Mythic Symbolism, 29. Sacred Texts, 30. Epic Heroes, 31. Ancestral Spirits, 32. Ethno-religion, 33. Gender in Mythology, 34. Earth Gods, 35. Fire Worship, 36. Water Deities, 37. Air Spirits, 38. Solar Deities, 39. Lunar Myths, 40. Seasonal Myths, 41. Agricultural Deities, 42. Mythological Dualism, 43. Folk Etymology, 44. Sacred Geography, 45. Animal Totems, 46. Mythic Heroes, 47. Cosmic Deities, 48. Storm Gods, 49. War Deities, 50. Fertility Myths, 51. Death and Rebirth, 52. Afterlife Beliefs, 53. Funerary Rites, 54. Ancestor Worship, 55. Creation Legends, 56. Sacred Mountains, 57. Divine Kingship, 58. Magical Beings, 59. Supernatural Powers, 60. Mythical Creatures, 61. Dragons in Mythology, 62. Legendary Beasts, 63. Gods of Wisdom, 64. Goddesses of Fertility, 65. Sacred Feminine, 66. Mythic Kings, 67. Divine Queens, 68. Underworld Deities, 69. Sky Gods, 70. Weather Spirits, 71. Nature Myths, 72. Sacred Numbers, 73. Religious Symbols, 74. Tribal Mythology, 75. Epic Tales, 76. Divine Twins, 77. Archetypal Myths, 78. Mythological Cycles, 79. Pantheon of Gods, 80. Holy Beings, 81. Prophetic Legends, 82. Astral Mythology, 83. Divine Messengers, 84. Mythological Beings, 85. Heroic Journeys, 86. Trickster Gods, 87. Animal Spirits, 88. Healing Gods, 89. Shamanic Myths, 90. Mystical Experiences, 91. Visionary Myths, 92. Dream Interpretation, 93. Divine Visions, 94. Heavenly Realms, 95. Ethereal Beings, 96. Divine Emblems, 97. Goddesses of War, 98. Battle Deities, 99. Death Gods, 100. River Deities, 101. Mountain Spirits, 102. Sacred Trees, 103. Mythical Trees, 104. World Trees, 105. Creation Eggs, 106. Ocean Deities, 107. Sea Gods, 108. Sky Myths, 109. Stellar Deities, 110. Mythic Serpents, 111. Phoenix Myths, 112. Eternal Life, 113. Immortality Myths, 114. Chaos and Order, 115. Cosmic Battles, 116. Light and Dark, 117. Good vs Evil, 118. Mythical Time, 119. Sacred Calendars, 120. Heroic Sagas, 121. Divine Justice, 122. Lawgiver Gods, 123. Fate and Destiny, 124. Goddess of Fate, 125. Mythical Journeys, 126. Sacred Quests, 127. Legendary Warriors, 128. Divine Warriors, 129. Mythic Weapons, 130. Divine Fire, 131. Sacred Waters, 132. Ritual Purification, 133. Divine Punishment, 134. Celestial Beings, 135. Divine Intervention, 136. Miraculous Events, 137. Mythical Healing, 138. Oracles in Mythology, 139. Divine Prophecy, 140. Sacred Oracles, 141. Divine Inspiration, 142. Mythical Heroes, 143. Sacred Challenges, 144. Heroic Deeds, 145. Divine Tests, 146. Sacred Temples, 147. Religious Architecture, 148. Divine Relics, 149. Sacred Icons, 150. Holy Artifacts, 151. Mythical Artifacts, 152. Divine Healers, 153. Sacred Illnesses, 154. Divine Retribution, 155. Divine Transformation, 156. Animal Metamorphosis, 157. Godly Sacrifices, 158. Blood Sacrifices, 159. Mythic Resurrection, 160. Life and Death, 161. Rebirth Myths, 162. Creation of Man, 163. Divine Origins, 164....

Publicia, 2020

Friends, friends, colleagues, students. I greet you. I share the English version of my penultimate book, published in Spanish last year. It is entitled Talk, say and count. History of myths to learn. Lessons from Antiquity (Sciencia Scripts, B. Bassin, 2020). An essay in stages that attempts to bring the reader closer to the peculiarities of the myth expressed in various ways and made present in many historical situations. J.L.S.

The Classical Review, 2014

Folklore exists in all human groups, small and big. Since early modernity, scholars have provided various definitions of the phenomenon, but earlier texts may also reveal awareness and reflection on the specific character folklore. In this short article, we wish to explore and look into the various definitions and characterizations of folklore given by ancient writers from various times and cultures. We will try to draw a cultural map of awareness to the phenomenon of folklore in ancient Near-Eastern texts, Greco-Roman culture, the Hebrew Bible, Early Christianity and Rabbinic literature. The main questions we wish do deal with are where and if we can find explicit mention of folklore; which folk genres are dominant in ancient writings and what was the social context of ancient folklore? That is to say, whom those text integrated in social frameworks, enabling their users to gain power or to undermine existing cultural, theological and social structures.