The legend of Perseus, Volume 1 (of 3)

Name: The legend of Perseus, Volume 1 (of 3)
Author: Edwin Sidney Hartland

By Edwin Sidney Hartland

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Archaeology & Anthropology Mythology, Legends & Folklore

About This Book

A comparative study of a classical myth centered on a divinely begotten hero and its composite incidents: supernatural birth, life-token, rescue of a captive maiden, and the quest for a monstrous head. The first chapters survey ancient literary accounts and wide folkloric variants, while later chapters trace worldwide analogues of supernatural conception, birth from substances or scent, ritual practices to secure fertility, and beliefs in transformation and rebirth. The work catalogues tale-types, customs, and superstitions, and outlines a method for determining primitive form, origin, diffusion, and the story’s artistic composition.

About the Author

Edwin Sidney Hartland

Edwin Sidney Hartland was a notable English folklorist and writer, recognized for his contributions to the study of mythology and folklore. His work often explored the intersection of ritual and belief, as exemplified in his influential book "Ritual and Belief." Hartland is also well-known for his extensive three-volume examination of the legend of Perseus, which delves into the narrative's cultural significance and variations across different societies. His scholarly approach to fairy tales, particularly in "The Science of Fairy Tales," reflects his dedication to understanding the underlying themes and structures of folklore. Hartland's research has left a lasting impact on the fields of folklore studies and comparative mythology.