The legend of Perseus, Volume 3 (of 3)

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

By Edwin Sidney Hartland

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About This Book

This study traces a classical hero’s later episodes — the rescue of a maiden from a monster and the Medusa-like petrifaction motif — across folktale, saga, and popular belief. It surveys Märchen, saga, saintly, and non-European variants, detailing narrative types, motifs, and regional distributions. The work argues that rescue narratives often preserve memories of human sacrifice and totemic animal worship and explores ritual echoes such as dragon-spring associations. It analyzes motif-patterns including helpful animals, magical weapons, impostors and tokens, and the curative or petrifying power of hair, words, and gaze. Appendices catalogue variants and a concluding chapter assesses origin hypotheses and traditional modification.

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.