European Mythology (Library of the World's Myths and Legends) - Hardcover

Simpson, Jacqueline

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0872260445 ISBN 13: 9780872260443

Publisher: Peter Bedrick Books, 1987

Synopsis

Examines the elements of mythology from witches, outlaws, and fairies, to seasonal rites and festivals

About this title

From Publishers Weekly:

The author here tackles a complex area of folklore: beliefs and stories about fairies, trolls, heroes and supernatural beings that have existed alongside Christianity in rural European peasant communities well into the 20th century. Simpson, a British folklorist, argues that there are enough basic similarities among the folktales of European nations to justify considering them a "mythology." She groups the tales into seven categoriescreation myths, realms of the dead, wonder-workers, shape-changers and witches, the rituals of folk festivals, etc.and offers examples of the varying forms these legends have taken in response to local customs. Photographs of ancient megaliths, medieval illustrations depicting supernatural beings and pictures of folk ceremonies (some still celebrated) provide a lively accompaniment to the text. Though not rigorous enough in its definitions to satisfy scholars, this is an entertaining introduction for the general reader.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Peter Bedrick Books
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0872260445
• ISBN 13: 9780872260443
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 144