The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion (Third Edition, Vol. 02 of 12)

A sweeping comparative study, this volume delves into the ancient belief that trees are alive with spirit. It traces how peoples across Europe, Africa and Asia honored forest deities, performed rites to protect timber, and even married trees in symbolic ceremonies to secure the bounty of the land.

The book moves from the reverence of sacred groves to the seasonal festivals that celebrate them—May‑trees, midsummer poles, and leaf‑clad mummers that become kings and queens for a day. It also explores the “royal” aspect of nature worship, describing how kings were linked to rain, fire or water, and how sacred marriages between deities and humans were thought to coax crops to fruit.

Through meticulous cross‑cultural analysis, the author reveals how these myths and rituals shaped early societies and continue to echo in modern folklore. Listeners will come away with a richer understanding of the deep roots of magical thinking and its lasting impact on human culture.