検索キーワード： 民話・神話の研究

For almost 3,000 years, the Odyssey has captured imaginations with seafaring adventure, romance, friendships, as well as feats of heroism and of bloody revenge. The tale of Odysseus’s long and eventful journey home remains one of the greatest epics ever told, inspiring new translations...

Often categorized simply as an "abomination" by Judean scribes, Chemosh represented a complex central figure in the socio-political identity of the Moabite people for nearly a millennium. To understand Chemosh is to understand the shifting borders of the Transjordan and the theological tensions that defined the relationship between Israel and its neighbors. The origins of Chemosh are rooted in the Bronze Age; his name appears in early Eblaite and Ugaritic texts, suggesting a lineage that predates the formal establishment of the Moabite kingdom.

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.

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.

Ever wondered if there's any truth behind planting by the moon? Or why wassailing is still a common folk practice in some parts of the world? In Gardener's Folklore, the record of these practices is unveiled, with plenty of tips and tricks to try in your own 21st century garden for blooming bushes and plentiful potatoes.

Beyond the northlands echo tales of gods and monsters, epic quests and cataclysmic battles that have enthralled humankind for a thousand years. Echoes of Valhalla is an immersive chronicle of these fascinating myths that unveils Norse culture as fired by visions of Ragnarök where even the mighty gods march toward twilight yet find eternal life through undying fame. This definitive volume masterfully surveys Norse mythology’s grand pantheon.

Hidden in the margins of history books, classical literature, and thousands of years of stories, myths and legends, through to contemporary literature, TV and film, there is a diverse and other-worldly super community of queer heroes to discover, learn from, and celebrate. Queer Heroes of Myth & Legend brings to life characters who are romantic, brave, mysterious, and always fantastical. It is a magnificent celebration of queerness through the ages in all its legendary glory.

"Tales and Trails: Unraveling Asia's Urban Myths" is a delightful voyage through Asia's strangeness. This excellent book explores China, Korea, and Japan's cultures. It vibrantly blends folklore, history, and the human spirit. See the terrifying Gumiho, brave Chollima, mysterious Jade Rabbit, and Forbidden City whispers. Climb Kuchisake-Onna's terrifying peak in the dark Aokigahara Forest. From Beijing's hectic streets to China's calm farms, Japan's intriguing forests to Korea's wild beaches, these stories take listeners to many places.

Have you ever felt drawn to the allure of Celtic mythology but found it difficult to navigate through the vast and often fragmented collection of stories and legends? The complex web of Celtic myths, with their intricate genealogies and regional variations, can be a daunting challenge to unravel. Fear not! This comprehensive book understands your desire for clarity and provides the perfect solution.

Three thousand years of encounters with malevolent beings that have invaded our waking lives and our nightmares A Penguin Classic For millennia, societies have told tales of their fears incarnate—otherworldly couriers of plague, death, temptation, and moral decline. The Penguin Book of Demons...

The Theogony "the genealogy or birth of the gods" is a poem by Hesiod (8th – 7th century BC) describing the origins and genealogies of the Greek gods, composed c. 730–700 BC. It is written in the Epic dialect of Ancient Greek and contains 1022 lines. Hesiod's Theogony is a large-scale synthesis of a vast variety of local Greek traditions concerning the gods, organized as a narrative that tells how they came to be and how they established permanent control over the cosmos. It is the first known Greek mythical cosmogony.

'Fascinating . . . a riveting tour' MERLIN SHELDRAKE 'Game of Thrones meets the Natural History Museum meets Grimm fairytales . . . fascinating, enthralling and definitely enchanting' CHRIS PACKHAM 'Thrilling, wide-ranging and profound' CASPER HENDERSON The hydra rears its many heads in a flurry...

Since the dawn of communication, humankind has looked around itself and used myths and legends to make sense of the world. Gods, Heroes and Monsters invites you to take your place at the campfire that’s been glowing since the first tale was told. Discover the fascinating variety—and several surprising similarities—of the stories that have been shared for millennia, from one person to another, one lesson at a time. Ancient stories are retold under themes such as the beginning (and end) of the world, death, love, and monsters and spirits.

'Compulsively readable' New York Times 'Utterly original' Alberto Manguel In the small and the insignificant - that's where life hides, that's where it builds its nest. Our unnamed narrator is not well. He suffers from attacks of 'pathological empathy', which cause him to wander unbidden into...