検索キーワード： 民話・神話の研究

A groundbreaking and seminal chronicle of the hidden history and mythology of female dragon slayers from ancient world expert and author of Goddess with a Thousand Faces Jasmine Elmer. The dragon is a monster with a rich history of symbolism in almost every culture. In the stories that have been...

The figure of Tammuz represents one of the most enduring and complex archetypes in the history of Near Eastern religion. While often reduced to a simple god of vegetation or a tragic lover, his character is a composite of centuries of cultural shifts, theological debates, and linguistic evolutions. To under-stand Tammuz, one must first look to the ancient Sumerian deity Dumuzid, the Shepherd. In the arid landscapes of Mesopotamia, the cycle of life and death was not merely a philosophical concept but a visceral reality dictated by the seasonal flooding of the Tigris and Euphrates.

The unicorn remains one of the most persistent and versatile symbols in the history of human imagination. Unlike many mythical creatures that originated as composite monsters intended to inspire terror, the unicorn emerged primarily as a biological curiosity. For millennia, it was treated not as a product of fantasy, but as a legitimate, albeit rare, member of the animal kingdom. This creature has bridged the gap between ancient natural history, medieval theology, and modern folklore, adapting its meaning to fit the cultural needs of every era it inhabited.

The symbol of a winged staff entwined by two serpents, known as the caduceus, remains one of the most enduring icons in Western civilization. often associated with the Greek god Hermes, this artifact serves as a bridge between the mortal and divine realms; it is a tool of negotiation, a conductor of souls, and a emblem of transformative power. While frequently confused with the Rod of Asclepius in modern medical contexts, the caduceus possesses a distinct and multifaceted history that predates the classical Hellenic era.

The name "Moloch" resonates through history with a chilling association; it is a name synonymous with the most extreme forms of religious fanaticism, specifically the practice of child sacrifice. Mentioned in the Bible and referenced in various historical texts, Moloch has become a potent symbol of evil, a deity demanding the ultimate price for favor. The history of this figure is complex, shrouded in the mists of antiquity and open to varied interpretations by scholars, historians, and theologians alike.

Discover everything you’ve ever wondered about the legendary spirits, creatures, and figures of Japanese folklore including how they have found their way into every corner of our pop culture from the creator of the podcast Uncanny Japan. Welcome to The Book of Japanese Folklore: a fascinating...

Asesinatos, incestos, venganzas, héroes, historias de amor y lujuria. La mitología griega es un auténtico crisol de los vicios y las virtudes del ser humano. Los mitos en la antigua Grecia tenían una función social, relataban comportamientos de dioses y héroes y enseñaban a los hombres cómo debían actuar ante determinadas situaciones, como las vidas de los santos en el cristianismo, relataban comportamientos virtuosos y ejemplares, los dioses griegos eran virtuosos, pero no ejemplares.

Descubra la vida cotidiana y la cultura de los Vikingos y adéntrese en el impresionante mundo de las divinidades, criaturas, mitos y leyendas de este gran pueblo de exploradores: Odín, Thor, Loki, Baldr, Niörd, desde el Ginnungagap hasta la batalla final de Ragnarök. Una visión contextualizada y rigurosa del fantástico cosmos mitológico nórdico.

The concept of the Satyr represents one of the most enduring and multifaceted archetypes in the history of human mythology. Emerging from the rugged, untamed landscapes of ancient Greece, these hybrid beings have occupied the peripheral spaces of the human imagination for millennia.

The figure of Lilith remains one of the most enduring and complex entities in the history of human mythology; she is a shadow that has haunted the periphery of theology, folklore, and literature for over four millennia. To understand Lilith is to look into a mirror that reflects the changing fears and aspirations of the cultures that birthed her. She does not emerge from history as a singular, static character, but rather as a linguistic and spiritual evolution, a "screech owl" in the desert, a child-stealing demon in a Babylonian incantation, and eventually, the defiant first wife of Adam.

The figure of Artemis remains one of the most complex and enduring archetypes in human history; she represents the untamed wilderness, the transition of youth, and the paradox of a protector who is also a predator. To understand Artemis is to look beyond the popular image of the Greek huntress with a silver bow. Her history begins in the misty pre-Hellenic eras of the Bronze Age, where she likely originated as a powerful local deity in Anatolia or Crete.

Thor, Odin, Loki, Freyja, the Valkyries, Valhalla, Ragnarok — many of the places we encounter these and other names, places, and events from Norse mythology in daily life and pop culture are connected to the medieval sources in name only.

Chosen by Nelson Mandela, this extraordinary story features celebrity narration and celebrates the rich oral tradition of African folktalkes. Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales is an extraordinary audiobook featuring Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don...

Superstition: A Very Short Introduction explores the nature and history of superstition from antiquity to the present. For two millennia, superstition was a label derisively applied to foreign religions and unacceptable religious practices, and its primary purpose was used to separate groups and assert religious and social authority. After the Enlightenment, the superstition label was still used to define groups, but the new dividing line was between reason and unreason. Today, superstitious belief and behavior remain widespread, and highly educated people are not immune.

Acclaimed author Maxine Hong Kingston’s The Woman Warrior broke new ground when it was first published 35 years ago, weaving autobiography, history, folklore, and fantasy in to a candid and revelatory story about the daughter of Chinese immigrants in mid-20th century California.

The pain of abandonment, both real and metaphorical, can cast a shadow over our entire adult experience. Warming the Stone Child investigates the abandoned child archetype in world myths and cultures to find clues about the process of healing the "unmothered" child within us all. Spiced with Dr. Estes' wonderful storytelling, Warming the Stone Child is a unique listening experience with a practical edge.

With the inquisitive heart of an adventurer and the rigor of a scholar, this spellbinding work leads listeners through centuries of dark folklore, lost legends, and the wild inspirations behind Bram Stoker's immortal classic.

Foundation of the Inquiry explores the essential questions at the heart of human existence—Who are we? Where do we come from? What is the purpose of our journey? This volume introduces the process of foundational inquiry as a meaningful tool for spiritual exploration and understanding.

The Living Spirit of Inquiry explores the deep, timeless questions that lie at the heart of the human experience. With a focus on spiritual philosophy, mythic wisdom, and sacred reflection, this volume invites readers into a journey of meaningful questioning, inner awareness, and contemplative practice.

The swamp witch wanders through misty bayous and mysterious wetlands in search of ingredients for their magical work. From Spanish moss to bone curios, Mystic Dylan teaches you how to harness the fierce power of the natural world. Follow him down a path lit by fireflies, serenaded by cicadas, and guarded by alligators, where you'll learn the transformative magic of the dark and mysterious swamp. Whether you're looking for love, protection, or prosperity, the swamp is sure to have a cure for whatever ails you. Hop in the crawdad boat, mind the mud, and beware of snakes and alligators.