Author: Marinus Anthony van der Sluijs
Publisher: All-Round Publications
ISBN: 1999438329
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 442
Book Description
Creation myths around the world reveal an intricate network of recurrent motifs. Many of these are counterintuitive and not widely known, describing a time when the sky was low, the stars did not yet shine, multiple suns appeared, the moon was brighter than the sun, no land existed, deities and mortals maintained frequent contact, a 'world axis' in the form of a tree, ladder or giant man connected the earth with the sky, a devastating flood or fire ended the old order, and so forth. The present work, in multiple volumes, aims to find an origin for this cross-culturally and internally consistent body of traditions in a series of extraordinary natural events relating especially to the earth's transition from the last glacial period to the Holocene. This first volume sets the stage for the interdisciplinary hypothesis. Essential lines of research receive a historical introduction: comparative mythology, catastrophism and the study of the mythical world axis in relation to the earth's rotation. Various astronomical and meteorological interpretations that are not strictly catastrophist are explored for several types of myths about the sun, the moon and the world axis, but leave many of the most intriguing traditions unexplained. It is argued that a structural core of the worldwide mythology of 'creation and destruction', in which the cosmic axis takes pride of place, points to a specific period of dramatic natural circumstances in real prehistoric time. A new synopsis is provided of this universal mythological substrate. It emerges that the mythical world axis cannot have been based on a single object seen or imagined at one of the poles, as has usually been supposed. This surprising conclusion paves the way for the innovative geomagnetic theory proposed in volume 2.
On the Origin of Myths in Catastrophic Experience, vol. 1: Preliminaries
Author: Marinus Anthony van der Sluijs
Publisher: All-Round Publications
ISBN: 1999438329
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 442
Book Description
Creation myths around the world reveal an intricate network of recurrent motifs. Many of these are counterintuitive and not widely known, describing a time when the sky was low, the stars did not yet shine, multiple suns appeared, the moon was brighter than the sun, no land existed, deities and mortals maintained frequent contact, a 'world axis' in the form of a tree, ladder or giant man connected the earth with the sky, a devastating flood or fire ended the old order, and so forth. The present work, in multiple volumes, aims to find an origin for this cross-culturally and internally consistent body of traditions in a series of extraordinary natural events relating especially to the earth's transition from the last glacial period to the Holocene. This first volume sets the stage for the interdisciplinary hypothesis. Essential lines of research receive a historical introduction: comparative mythology, catastrophism and the study of the mythical world axis in relation to the earth's rotation. Various astronomical and meteorological interpretations that are not strictly catastrophist are explored for several types of myths about the sun, the moon and the world axis, but leave many of the most intriguing traditions unexplained. It is argued that a structural core of the worldwide mythology of 'creation and destruction', in which the cosmic axis takes pride of place, points to a specific period of dramatic natural circumstances in real prehistoric time. A new synopsis is provided of this universal mythological substrate. It emerges that the mythical world axis cannot have been based on a single object seen or imagined at one of the poles, as has usually been supposed. This surprising conclusion paves the way for the innovative geomagnetic theory proposed in volume 2.
Publisher: All-Round Publications
ISBN: 1999438329
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 442
Book Description
Creation myths around the world reveal an intricate network of recurrent motifs. Many of these are counterintuitive and not widely known, describing a time when the sky was low, the stars did not yet shine, multiple suns appeared, the moon was brighter than the sun, no land existed, deities and mortals maintained frequent contact, a 'world axis' in the form of a tree, ladder or giant man connected the earth with the sky, a devastating flood or fire ended the old order, and so forth. The present work, in multiple volumes, aims to find an origin for this cross-culturally and internally consistent body of traditions in a series of extraordinary natural events relating especially to the earth's transition from the last glacial period to the Holocene. This first volume sets the stage for the interdisciplinary hypothesis. Essential lines of research receive a historical introduction: comparative mythology, catastrophism and the study of the mythical world axis in relation to the earth's rotation. Various astronomical and meteorological interpretations that are not strictly catastrophist are explored for several types of myths about the sun, the moon and the world axis, but leave many of the most intriguing traditions unexplained. It is argued that a structural core of the worldwide mythology of 'creation and destruction', in which the cosmic axis takes pride of place, points to a specific period of dramatic natural circumstances in real prehistoric time. A new synopsis is provided of this universal mythological substrate. It emerges that the mythical world axis cannot have been based on a single object seen or imagined at one of the poles, as has usually been supposed. This surprising conclusion paves the way for the innovative geomagnetic theory proposed in volume 2.
Creation Myths of the World [2 volumes]
Author: David A. Leeming
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 1598841750
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 654
Book Description
The most comprehensive resource available on creation myths from around the world—their narratives, themes, motifs, similarities, and differences—and what they reveal about their cultures of origin. ABC-CLIO's breakthrough reference work on creation beliefs from around the world returns in a richly updated and expanded new edition. From the Garden of Eden, to the female creators of Acoma Indians, to the rival creators of the Basonge tribe in the Congo, Creation Myths of the World: An Encyclopedia, Second Edition examines how different cultures explain the origins of their existence. Expanded into two volumes, the new edition of Creation Myths of the World begins with introductory essays on the five basic types of creation stories, analyzing their nature and significance. Following are over 200 creation myths, each introduced with a brief discussion of its culture of origin. At the core of the new edition is its enhanced focus on creation mythology as a global human phenomenon, with greatly expanded coverage of recurring motifs, comparative themes, the influence of geography, the social impact of myths, and more.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 1598841750
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 654
Book Description
The most comprehensive resource available on creation myths from around the world—their narratives, themes, motifs, similarities, and differences—and what they reveal about their cultures of origin. ABC-CLIO's breakthrough reference work on creation beliefs from around the world returns in a richly updated and expanded new edition. From the Garden of Eden, to the female creators of Acoma Indians, to the rival creators of the Basonge tribe in the Congo, Creation Myths of the World: An Encyclopedia, Second Edition examines how different cultures explain the origins of their existence. Expanded into two volumes, the new edition of Creation Myths of the World begins with introductory essays on the five basic types of creation stories, analyzing their nature and significance. Following are over 200 creation myths, each introduced with a brief discussion of its culture of origin. At the core of the new edition is its enhanced focus on creation mythology as a global human phenomenon, with greatly expanded coverage of recurring motifs, comparative themes, the influence of geography, the social impact of myths, and more.
Axis of the World
Author: Igor Witkowski
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781931882811
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 238
Book Description
This book tackles one of the most interesting and persistent mysteries pondered by mankind -- the very question of our own roots. Witkowski mounts a painstaking search for answers, and compiles an astonishing array of evidence that points to only one conclusion: in the very deep mists of the past, there existed a highly-advanced civilisation that was able to exert its influence on a world-wide scale, and did so in a purposeful way. These beneficent bringers of knowledge are described in almost every indigenous culture, and the- similarities in the accounts cannot be reasonably overlooked. But Witkowski's conclusions are not based on myth and legend. He brings a multi-disciplinary approach to the problem, comparing archaeological discoveries, ethnological relations, historical documents, linguistics and even the achievements of genetic research. A native of Poland, he accesses many sources not normally cited in American studies, and shows that many "academic truths" still being promulgated simply do not make sense in light of the evidence. You will be amazed as he traces the spread of this civilisation from the Indus Valley, across the Pacific to South America. Thete stand the culture's crowning achievements, at Tiahuanaco in Bolivia and on Easter Island off Chile. Taken together, the facts presented by Witkowski provide a fresh, new proof that an antediluvian great civilisation flourished many millennia ago. Discover: The Real Mystery of Easter Island; Professor Szalek's Groundbreaking Discoveries; A Lost Land in the Pacific; The Mysterious Origins of the American Indians; The Chain of Traces across the Pacific; Tiahuanaco -- the City that Breaks all the Rules.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781931882811
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 238
Book Description
This book tackles one of the most interesting and persistent mysteries pondered by mankind -- the very question of our own roots. Witkowski mounts a painstaking search for answers, and compiles an astonishing array of evidence that points to only one conclusion: in the very deep mists of the past, there existed a highly-advanced civilisation that was able to exert its influence on a world-wide scale, and did so in a purposeful way. These beneficent bringers of knowledge are described in almost every indigenous culture, and the- similarities in the accounts cannot be reasonably overlooked. But Witkowski's conclusions are not based on myth and legend. He brings a multi-disciplinary approach to the problem, comparing archaeological discoveries, ethnological relations, historical documents, linguistics and even the achievements of genetic research. A native of Poland, he accesses many sources not normally cited in American studies, and shows that many "academic truths" still being promulgated simply do not make sense in light of the evidence. You will be amazed as he traces the spread of this civilisation from the Indus Valley, across the Pacific to South America. Thete stand the culture's crowning achievements, at Tiahuanaco in Bolivia and on Easter Island off Chile. Taken together, the facts presented by Witkowski provide a fresh, new proof that an antediluvian great civilisation flourished many millennia ago. Discover: The Real Mystery of Easter Island; Professor Szalek's Groundbreaking Discoveries; A Lost Land in the Pacific; The Mysterious Origins of the American Indians; The Chain of Traces across the Pacific; Tiahuanaco -- the City that Breaks all the Rules.
Worlds in Collision
Author:
Publisher: Paradigma Ltd
ISBN: 1906833710
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 437
Book Description
With this book Immanuel Velikovsky first presented the revolutionary results of his 10-year-long interdisciplinary research to the public, founded modern catastrophism - based on eyewitness reports by our ancestors - shook the doctrine of uniformity of geology as well as Darwin's theory of evolution, put our view of the history of our solar system, of the Earth and of humanity on a completely new basis - and caused an uproar that is still going on today. Worlds in Collision - written in a brilliant, easily understandable and entertaining style and full to the brim with precise information - can be considered one of the most important and most challenging books in the history of science. Not without reason was this book found open on Einstein's desk after his death. For all those who have ever wondered about the evolution of the earth, the history of mankind, traditions, religions, mythology or just the world as it is today, Worlds in Collision is an absolute MUST-READ!
Publisher: Paradigma Ltd
ISBN: 1906833710
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 437
Book Description
With this book Immanuel Velikovsky first presented the revolutionary results of his 10-year-long interdisciplinary research to the public, founded modern catastrophism - based on eyewitness reports by our ancestors - shook the doctrine of uniformity of geology as well as Darwin's theory of evolution, put our view of the history of our solar system, of the Earth and of humanity on a completely new basis - and caused an uproar that is still going on today. Worlds in Collision - written in a brilliant, easily understandable and entertaining style and full to the brim with precise information - can be considered one of the most important and most challenging books in the history of science. Not without reason was this book found open on Einstein's desk after his death. For all those who have ever wondered about the evolution of the earth, the history of mankind, traditions, religions, mythology or just the world as it is today, Worlds in Collision is an absolute MUST-READ!
The World as Idea
Author: Charles P. Webel
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317746716
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 301
Book Description
In The World as Idea Charles P. Webel presents an intellectual history of one of the most influential concepts known to humanity—that of "the world." Webel traces the development of "the world" through the past, depicting the history of the world as an intellectual construct from its roots in ancient creation myths of the cosmos, to contemporary speculations about multiverses. He simultaneously offers probing analyses and critiques of "the world as idea" from thinkers ranging from Plato, Aristotle, and St. Augustine in the Greco-Roman period to Kant, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, Merleau-Ponty, and Derrida in modern times. While Webel mainly focuses on Occidental philosophical, theological, and cosmological notions of worldhood and worldliness, he also highlights important non-Western equivalents prominent in Islamic and Asian spiritual traditions. This ensures the book is a unique overview of what we all take for granted in our daily existence, but seldom if ever contemplate—the world as the uniquely meaningful environment for our lives in particular and for life on Earth in general. The World as Idea will be of great interest to those interested in the "world as idea," scholars in fields ranging from philosophy and intellectual history to political and social theory, and students studying philosophy, the history of ideas, and humanities courses, both general and specialized.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317746716
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 301
Book Description
In The World as Idea Charles P. Webel presents an intellectual history of one of the most influential concepts known to humanity—that of "the world." Webel traces the development of "the world" through the past, depicting the history of the world as an intellectual construct from its roots in ancient creation myths of the cosmos, to contemporary speculations about multiverses. He simultaneously offers probing analyses and critiques of "the world as idea" from thinkers ranging from Plato, Aristotle, and St. Augustine in the Greco-Roman period to Kant, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, Merleau-Ponty, and Derrida in modern times. While Webel mainly focuses on Occidental philosophical, theological, and cosmological notions of worldhood and worldliness, he also highlights important non-Western equivalents prominent in Islamic and Asian spiritual traditions. This ensures the book is a unique overview of what we all take for granted in our daily existence, but seldom if ever contemplate—the world as the uniquely meaningful environment for our lives in particular and for life on Earth in general. The World as Idea will be of great interest to those interested in the "world as idea," scholars in fields ranging from philosophy and intellectual history to political and social theory, and students studying philosophy, the history of ideas, and humanities courses, both general and specialized.
The Mythology of Eden
Author: Arthur George
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 0761862897
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 459
Book Description
The biblical story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is a cornerstone of Western civilization, yet there are still many mysteries concerning its origins and meaning. In The Mythology of Eden, Arthur and Elena George utilize new historical and archaeological discoveries to reveal how the story’s author uses veiled symbolism and mythological storytelling to convey his message about the most profound questions of human existence regarding the divine, life, death, and immortality. This innovative book offers an interdisciplinary interpretation of the Eden story that delves into incorrect assumptions and brings to light details that have previously gone unnoticed. The Mythology of Eden provides a new understanding of the story of Adam and Eve and illuminates the story’s role and meaning in our modern world.
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 0761862897
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 459
Book Description
The biblical story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is a cornerstone of Western civilization, yet there are still many mysteries concerning its origins and meaning. In The Mythology of Eden, Arthur and Elena George utilize new historical and archaeological discoveries to reveal how the story’s author uses veiled symbolism and mythological storytelling to convey his message about the most profound questions of human existence regarding the divine, life, death, and immortality. This innovative book offers an interdisciplinary interpretation of the Eden story that delves into incorrect assumptions and brings to light details that have previously gone unnoticed. The Mythology of Eden provides a new understanding of the story of Adam and Eve and illuminates the story’s role and meaning in our modern world.
Immanuel Velikovsky
Author: Ruth Velikovsky Sharon
Publisher: Paradigma Ltd
ISBN: 1906833214
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 201
Book Description
This edition is a supplement to Velikovsky's biography "ABA--The Glory and the Torment," written by his daughter. Here, she publishes original letters in their entirety, shedding a revealing light on the defamatory campaign Velikovsky and his scientific work have been subjected to.
Publisher: Paradigma Ltd
ISBN: 1906833214
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 201
Book Description
This edition is a supplement to Velikovsky's biography "ABA--The Glory and the Torment," written by his daughter. Here, she publishes original letters in their entirety, shedding a revealing light on the defamatory campaign Velikovsky and his scientific work have been subjected to.
Dictionary of Nature Myths
Author: Tamra Andrews
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 0195136772
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 302
Book Description
Comprehensive and cross-referenced, this informative volume is a rich introduction to the world of nature as experienced by ancient peoples around the globe. 51 halftones.
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 0195136772
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 302
Book Description
Comprehensive and cross-referenced, this informative volume is a rich introduction to the world of nature as experienced by ancient peoples around the globe. 51 halftones.
Thematic Guide to World Mythology
Author: Lorena Laura Stookey
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 0313039372
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 256
Book Description
All around the world, myths address questions that humans have always posed about their origins, their environments, their ultimate destinies, and the meanings of their lives. This book examines 30 common motifs that thread their way through mythological tales across history and around the globe. The themes are presented in alphabetical order, moving from The Afterlife and Animals in Myth to The Underworld, World Tree, and Ymir Motif. Each thematic section defines and discusses a single recognizable motif, compares a number of different mythological traditions, and traces the repeated occurrences of one of these patterns through several different categories of narratives. The discussion of The Afterlife, for example, examines the theme's earliest known occurrences in ancient Mesopotamia and compares them with those in Greek, Aztec, Norse, and other ancient cultures, as well as with contemporary views from Innuit and Polynesian cultures. A glossary provides concise definitions of recurring terms. A list of suggested readings on these topics will further aid students who desire to deepen their knowledge of world mythology.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 0313039372
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 256
Book Description
All around the world, myths address questions that humans have always posed about their origins, their environments, their ultimate destinies, and the meanings of their lives. This book examines 30 common motifs that thread their way through mythological tales across history and around the globe. The themes are presented in alphabetical order, moving from The Afterlife and Animals in Myth to The Underworld, World Tree, and Ymir Motif. Each thematic section defines and discusses a single recognizable motif, compares a number of different mythological traditions, and traces the repeated occurrences of one of these patterns through several different categories of narratives. The discussion of The Afterlife, for example, examines the theme's earliest known occurrences in ancient Mesopotamia and compares them with those in Greek, Aztec, Norse, and other ancient cultures, as well as with contemporary views from Innuit and Polynesian cultures. A glossary provides concise definitions of recurring terms. A list of suggested readings on these topics will further aid students who desire to deepen their knowledge of world mythology.
The Tribe of Pyn
Author: David Cowart
Publisher: University of Michigan Press
ISBN: 0472052888
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 271
Book Description
A study of generational inheritance, engagement, and cross-fertilization in the landscape of literary postmodernism
Publisher: University of Michigan Press
ISBN: 0472052888
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 271
Book Description
A study of generational inheritance, engagement, and cross-fertilization in the landscape of literary postmodernism