Custom and Myth New Edition

In this pioneering work, the author examines the earliest stories and rituals of the ancient world through an anthropological lens. Drawing on recent scholarship from Tylor, Frazer, Mannhardt and others, he traces how myths often arise to explain obscure rites, linking gods, animals and social customs. The text explores totemic ideas in Greek and Celtic traditions, questioning whether similar symbols reflect a shared origin or independent invention.

Readers will encounter vivid analyses of well‑known narratives such as the Cupid and Psyche episode and the Cinderella motif, and see how their core elements may travel across cultures while their details differ. Alongside detailed references to Greek language and archaeology, the author presents a balanced argument against overly universalist theories of myth diffusion. The volume offers both a clear overview for newcomers and fresh insights for seasoned students of folklore.