
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.
Language
en
Duration
~8 hours (464K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-11-17
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1844–1912
Best known for the beloved Fairy Books, this Scottish writer brought folk tales, myths, and legends to generations of readers. He was also a remarkably wide-ranging man of letters whose work stretched across poetry, fiction, history, and anthropology.
View all books