Custom and Myth

audiobook

Custom and Myth

by Andrew Lang

EN·~8 hours·17 chapters

Chapters

17 total
1

CUSTOM AND MYTH

0:07
2

INTRODUCTION.

13:23
3

THE METHOD OF FOLKLORE.

31:48
4

THE BULL-ROARER. A Study of the Mysteries.

24:44
5

THE MYTH OF CRONUS.

28:18
6

CUPID, PSYCHE, AND THE ‘SUN-FROG.’

34:04
7

A FAR-TRAVELLED TALE.

25:59
8

APOLLO AND THE MOUSE.

25:09
9

STAR MYTHS.

35:58
10

MOLY AND MANDRAGORA.

20:09

Description

In this incisive collection, the author turns a critical eye toward the dominant practice of comparative mythology, exposing the shaky foundations of the “name‑analysis” approach that has long guided scholars. By dissecting familiar tales—from the myth of Cronus to the story of Cupid and Psyche—he shows how differing linguistic guesses can lead to wildly divergent interpretations, turning mythic meaning into a game of speculation rather than solid insight.

Beyond critique, the work invites listeners to reconsider how myths arise, suggesting that the conventional focus on etymology overlooks the richer, lived contexts from which these stories emerged. Drawing on extensive studies of Greek, Indian, and “savage” mythologies, the author offers a fresh lens that emphasizes cultural nuance over fragile linguistic reconstruction, promising a thought‑provoking journey into the heart of ancient narrative.

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Details

Language

en

Duration

~8 hours (464K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Release date

2004-11-17

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

Andrew Lang

Andrew Lang

1844–1912

Best known for gathering the stories in the famous Fairy Books, this Scottish writer moved easily between folklore, poetry, criticism, history, and classical translation. His work helped bring old tales and myths to generations of young readers while also earning respect from scholars and journalists.

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