Comparative Mythology

Eesti mõttelugu #12

by Jaan Puhvel

In a magisterial work, Jaan Puhvel unravels the prehistoric Indo-Euopean origins of the traditions of India and Iran, Greece and Rome, of the Celts, Germans, Balts, and Slavs. Utilizing the methodologies of historical linguistics and archaeology, he reconstructs a shared religious, mytholoigcal, and cultural heritage. Separate chapters on individual traditions as well as on recurrent thees―god and warrior, king and virgin, fire and water―give life to Comparative Mythology as both a general introduction and a detaled reference.

Genres: Mythology, History, Nonfiction, Religion, Anthropology, Philosophy, Folklore

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Marko Vasić · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sve što sam se nadao da ću naći kod nesrećnog Kembela u Heroj sa hiljadu lica a tamo je toga bilo u mikro-tragovima, pronašao sam u ekstazi u ovom udžbeničkom priručniku jednog od najeminentnijih indoevropeista. Knjiga je, ergo, pisana naučnim stilom, ali za razliku od onog koji se forsira u mojoj medicinskoj struci, koji treba da je oslobođen frazeologija, atributa, jezičkih bravura, suvoparno i trezveno ogoljen, jezik ove knjige je, bar meni, bio vrlo pristupačan. Jedino je zaključak da knjiga nije sasvim prikladna za nekoga kome mitološka materija, termini i postulati mitologije nisu nimalo poznati, jer ih autor nigde ne objašnjava, niti troši pasuse na digresiju tog tipa, što je, negde, i logično. Krećući od samog stožera – indijske mitologije, Puhvel kroz nekoliko poglavlja raščlanjuje i objašnjava opšte karakteristike prvo vedske Indije, a potom i epske. Budući da mi ta mitologija nije ni u naznakama (još uvek, ali promeniće se) poznata, građu sam uspeo da, manje-više, ispratim vrlo dobro, i da izvučem sijaset didaktički smislenih termina i odlika koji će mi biti od velike pomoći kad se (jednom) budem uhvatio u koštac sa ovom umršenom, oblapornom seksualnom energijom i onomastikom prožetom mitologijom. Objasnio je Puhvel i staroiranske mitološke osnove – Zaratustru i zoroastrizam, uporedio vede i gate i upleo i ukrstio vrhovna božanstva. Greota je što se nije dotakao i vavilonske mitologije, ali razumljivo je njeno odsustvo ovde. Budući da sam se do sada najviše i naduže bavio keltskom i germanskom mitologijom, ta poglavlja su mi bila savršeno jasna, i klicao sam svaki put kada bi mi se potvrdilo nešto što sam već ranije znao vezano za objašnjenje nekog toponima ili ktetika, ali nisam ni pretpostavljao da su mi se te stvari „slegle“ do sada. Shvatio sam i mnoge stvari vezane za rimsku mitologiju koje ni u jednoj knjizi ranije nisam sretao ovako uobličene, jer je urednici obično „šlepaju“ uz grčku mitologiju. Kao lični pečat – Puhvel u poslednjem segmentu obrađivao teme kao što su: „konj i vladar“, „kralj i devica“, „bog i ratnik“ i „blizanac i brat“ koje se arhetipski provlače kroz segmente svake od gorenavedenih mitologija, a koje je on vrlo vešto uporedio i izvukao suštinsku nit. Ova knjiga je moja najtoplija preporuka za svakoga ko je zainteresovan za mitološku građu, jer osim pukog poznavanja legendi i njihovog prepričavanja, valjalo bi i dublje zaći u njihovo značenje i raščlaniti ih kako bi se u tim delovima spoznalo još više nego ranije. Prevod ovog dela izvanredan, a kako i ne bi bio kad su ga prevodili profesionalci, što je danas vrlo redak slučaj. Zato sam, konačno, bio zadovoljan transkripcijom i transaliteracijom irskih i velških mitoloških imena i toponima, jer to ni u jednoj knjizi na srpskom nisam sretao, i to je uvek bio razlog da tu složenu građu istražujem isključivo u knjigama na engleskom jeziku.

[Manybooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I do sometimes (albeit only very rarely) still make academic use of my personal copy of Jaan Puhvel’s 1987 Comparative Mythology for secondary research purposes (as the provided footnotes and bibliography are indeed detailed and as such outstanding, as long as one also realises that there will of course and naturally not be any books or articles published post 1987 included), I have also never managed to read more than about twenty odd pages of Puhvel’s presented text in one sitting before giving up and reading something else, anything else (and if for example, still needing information on comparing and contrasting Indo-European myths, returning to my beloved and favourite Heaven, Heroes and Happiness: The Indo-European Roots of Western Ideology, where Shan M.M. Winn’s readable and engagingly penned text always in my opinion totally leaves Jaan Puhvel and his Comparative Mythology totally in the proverbial dust so to speak).

For albeit that Jaan Puhvel is considered an expert and his Comparative Mythology is also seemingly a standard and as such a commonly used university and college level textbook on parallel mythology studies, sorry, but Puhvel’s writing style is in my humble opinion hugely tedious and has not even once (after more than four times trying) managed to either sufficiently textually appeal to me or to even somewhat encourage me to keep ploughing through and ignoring my from page one present massive boredom and reading frustration. And considering that mythology and in particular comparing and contrasting parallel myths and their traditions and backgrounds are a very major area of academic interest for me, but that Comparative Mythology has always managed to defeat me every time I have attempted a detailed and non skimming perusal, for me, this fact certainly proves that with regard to how Jaan Puhvel has written his narrative, Comparative Mythology just is not at all a book for me. And indeed, the only reason why my rating is two and not one star is that I do appreciate the massive amounts of research that clearly have gone into Comparative Mythology but that I really cannot and will not recommend Comparative Mythology except for the bibliography, since in my humble opinion, Jaan Puhvel’s featured text is just not really what I would call readable and is thus also not in any way interest retaining and in particular if a reader is wanting mostly a basic introduction to comparing mythologies and not a meticulous (and draggingly detailed) study.

[Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is quite scholarly, but having made it through, I'm glad I read it. It weaves a tapestry of culture, language, and myth to show how archetypes and beliefs were spread and evolved from sources like India and ancient Iran throughout Europe, including Ancient Greek and Celtic mythology.

I recommend it to any serious student of mythology, Druidry, or Paganism in general.

[Villem Vesingi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raamatut lugedes tekkis võimatu igatsus kristuse-eelse Eesti järele - oleks ju kuratlikult mõnus tõmmata ennast lõkke ees kerra, tõmmata põdranahk tekiks peale ja närida und oodates männivaiku.

[Minäpäminä · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful introduction to the wild world of comparative mythology. Sure, there's quite a lot of philology, but it always serves the bigger picture and sheds light on the astonishing connections between mythic worldviews seemingly worlds apart.

Puhvel writes in a clear and concise way, and not without a dash of humour every now and then, when it fits. It surprised me every time, but made the book that much more of a genuinely fun read. Puhvel truly succeeds in what he sets out to do, namely, to reproduce in literary form his 25 years of teaching experience. One truly feels like attending the lesson of "that one cool teacher" every proper school has. You know the type: both laid back and throughly knowledgeable, always on point and yet a riot to listen to.

There's surprisingly little in the way of a reconstruction of Proto-Indo-European mythology, but that might be because Puhvel is smart and knowledgeable enough not to try to offer some sort of overarching grand interpretation of myths that have died millennia ago and were never committed to paper or papyrus. To my understanding, there is hardly anything left. Some carvings and cave paintings, and they tell very little to anyone wary of overinterpretation. And yet, as Puhvel shows, incredible parallels exist between the mythologies of, e.g., India, Rome and Iceland - parallels much too incredible to be mere happenstance.

[Žydrūnas Jonušas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glausta kurso santrauka, supažindinanti su pagrindinėmis temomis šiame plačiame ir mažai artame dirvone. Autorius sutraukia galybę informacijos į nedidelės apimties darbą, kuris tokiam kaip man mitologijos mėgėjui nušviečia, kiek čia pažinimo džiaugsmo galima gauti.
Nepretenduoju į rimtus mitologijos tyrėjus, bet tame pasaulyje pasivaikščioti yra be galo įdomu. Ir naudinga! Čia kažkuria prasme atskleidžiami mūsų pačių savasties kodai. Kažkas apie pasaulį ir gyvenimą pasidaro aiškiau.
Autoriaus humoro jausmas ir netikėti palyginimai nuduoda jausmą, kad autorius iš tiesų turėtų būti baisiai linksma asmenybė:
Pirmoji vedų panteono deivė - Varunos žmona - yra visiškai blanki ir nevaidina jokios vaidmens (nelyginant kokia Rusijos lyderio žmona sovietų hierarchijoje, pavyzdžiui, ponia Černenko).
Rekomenduoju visiems huminatarams.
10/10 ir vertimui, ir pačiam šmaikščiajam eruditiškajam didžiajam estui.

[James Curcio · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has been a very useful research companion for the Immanence of Myth, although the intention of our respective books is quite different, and as a result I've had to avoid raising my hackles over his niggling about chronological, historical methodology. His approach lends itself to research assistance, as he seems very hesitant to posit theories or interject himself into the material at all. This is an academic stance that follows from the idea of objectivity, maybe with an eye towards the premise of "myth as historic artifact." I tend more towards a psychological and utilitarian reading of myth. However, agreeing with an author's approach is certainly not a necessity, and as I said, this is a very useful research companion for anyone delving into comparative mythology. You may not find yourself getting any of those big picture "a-ha!" moments that can come when an author is willing to piece together elements in a pattern for you- in other words to mythologize for you- but there is something noble, maybe, in being able to resist that urge and just present the information.

Read for the Immanence of Myth project http://www.modernmythology.net

[ET · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting connections of Indo-European myth exchange. Overall dull and uniform. Though as an academic reference, it can be helpful. I would recommend reading the chapter of the region/racial subgroup you are currently focusing on.

[Josh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full of information, but too many asides to be readable for me. The author's humor was enjoyable, though.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most fascinating books I've read in a long time. Not necessarily for the beginner, as Puhvel explores the ties between the discussed mythologies by frequently showcasing his knowledge of Proto-Indo-European linguistics, which had my head spinning at times. Once you begin to see all the mythological connections, though, it becomes something quite profound. He delves into Germanic, Celtic, Greek, Roman, Vedic (Indian), Iranian and Baltic/Slavic mythologies, and if you're not familiar with the characters and themes you'll certainly learn a lot. His explanation of the central themes that resonate across these mythologies is fantastic and eye-opening. I had to reach for the dictionary like every other page, though.

[Rex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comparative Mythology examines the connective tissue of Indo-European mythologies, highlighting common patterns as preserved and transformed across cultures. Puhvel dwells more on the philological dimensions of his material than I expected, but he writes with wit, clarity, and—for the most part—economy. There were a few authorial choices that puzzled me, such as recapitulating in brief the whole story of the Mahabharata. Nevertheless, each chapter was rewarding in its own way, and I will doubtless return to this book for reference in future.

[Felipe Miguel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boa introdução à Mitologia Comparada, especialmente na primeira parte, na qual o autor busca (inventa totalmente) uma protomitologia. Depois, se estende demais em etnografia e se aprofunda muito pouco na análise das informações levantadas. O trabalho de pesquisa é muito bem feito, mas o livro é chato. Por mais que a proposta seja o estudo científico, um pouco de estilo faria bem ao texto.

[Linda Malcor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the best book I've ever read on Indo-European Comparative Mythology. Puhvel's wry sense of humor weaves through the text, taking what could have been a very dry topic and making it approachable by the general reader. If you love myth, this is a must have.

[Ankush Agarwal · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a great book for someone already well versed with Indian, Greek, and several other mythologies. However, for an uninitiated like me, it was too complex to read. The book should be taken as a compendium of comparative mythologies and someone needs to publish a mini-version of this.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Jaan Puhvel is simply the best.

[Connor Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite a scholarly read but worth it for those who wants to dive in more about mythology, paganism, etc.

[Ignacio · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite interesting content, but very dull delivery.

[Malum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very dense and scholarly but also pretty fascinating.

[Cleo]

A new favourite.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

For an introductory textbook, you'd do better with Shan Winn's "Heaven, Heroes and Happiness: The Indo-European Roots of Western Ideology." Puhvel's volume started life as a series of classroom lectures, and I suspect that unless you did the assigned reading beforehand (presumably the books listed at the end of each chapter), you'd be left baffled. Summarizing the vast body of ancient Indo-European myth, as Puhvel does for most of the book, is a slog: a long list of names, attributes, battles and recurring motifs that need to be put into context, which he does to a certain extent in the brief final chapters.

It's not like Puhvel doesn't recognize the source material's problems. In recounting the 18-day battle that's the centerpiece of the Mahābhārata, he notes that one of the commanders "is cut down by a shower of arrows. He thus makes use of his privilege to die on his own terms, and emphatically so, for he is not yet through: Propped up on the arrows that penetrate his body, he watches the rest of the battle like a reclining Saint Sebastian and waits for his turn to fill up books 12-13 with his interminable Mirror for Royalty; compared with this longest deathbed sermon on record, Homer's long-winded old man Nestor was a paragon of laconism."

There's more! The Old Iranian Vivēvdāt collection of religious texts is "a surprisingly rewarding document for comparative mythology, considering that much of it is a dreary, even revolting piece of preoccupation with uncleanness and pollution, with vicious beatings as a cure-all for most aberrations, including a woman's irregular menses." I wonder what he'd write about the Priestly strand of the Hebrew Bible.

Here's another quote: "In a way Odin is in a bind; in Germanic theology he epitomizes what is called in German die Not der Götter, the cosmic crisis that foreshadows the world cataclysm. ... In his hour of need (the etymological cognate of Not) he is even a figure of some nobility and certainly of pathos, at least in the modern German Wagnerian representation." To which he adds: "h-e-i-l-i-g-e N-o-t is impossible to replicate in English, 'holy distress' would sound too much like Batman." Moments like that earned the third star.

Finally, a couple of detours into Fun Fact territory: (1) The Gaulish "belief in an afterlife was strong, for Gauls would lend money on terms of postmortem reimbursement," and (2) there are striking similarities between the Mahābhārata's story of the king Yayāti and his children and, in Genesis, the account of Noah and his sons' actions after the flood. Imagine the delight of the Biblical minimalists who think the so-called J and E texts date from the Exilic or post-Exilic periods, when Semitic and Indo-European mythologies met head-on.

Those are the book's highlights, but most of it is tough going. If TV Tropes ever gets around to doing Indo-European mythology, it would be a godsend.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and very informative, though I'm not sure how authoritative it should be. Puhvel, as a linguist, seems able to pull out quite a bit of information across numerous mythological traditions, though he does gloss a bit over the Celtic tradition. After reading Ireland's Immortals it seems that Puhvel may accept as authentic a number of mythical elements that were introduced during the monastic tradition. Additionally, some of the similarities between Celtic Myth and Roman/Greek Myth is due to familiarity with that tradition and infusion. Therefore, the diffusion vs. authenticity element is much cloudier (at least in current thought) than attested by Puhvel. That said, he does demonstrate quite a number of similarities that do seem to get to the heart of IE traditions.

[Reba · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this one as a requirement for the Dedicant's Program with ADF. I chose it out of the list because it sounded interesting. I've always been intrigued by how world mythologies seem to fit together, with too many similarities to be coincidental.

It's a bit of a difficult read though, if you're not a current university level student of mythology. Some of the jargon is not stuff you hear everyday...or ever...so my dictionary was always close by as well.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a scholarly work, intended to be used as a university textbook. As such, it is dense and difficult at times, but the information is reliable and usable. He has a more post- structuralist approach, which might be difficult for many students of myth who come from a Jungian background, or for Pagans who might be more interested in enhancing their own phenomenological relationships with myth and meaning.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I felt for a large part of this book that I was reading a graduate level "course" for which I'd skipped some of the pre-requisites, overall I think Puhvel's theories are sound. He occasionally stretches his analogies a little far, at least for me (which may just be my lack of familiarity with the material). Dense reading though, I suggest taking notes.

[Hanneleele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vau, see on siin olemas?
Lugesin läbi. Dumézil'i lugesin ka ("Indoeuroopa müüdid").
Puhvelit oli kergem lugeda, aga sõnastus tundus kohati vastumeelselt igamehelik ning pilkav.
Iseenesest on võrdlev mütoloogia aga huvitav. Ja mõlemad raamatud käsitlevad müüte, millest ma varem kuulnudki polnud. Mõtteharjutus.

[Anise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dense going, but I found it to be a good starting overview of the ancient myths in many Indo-European cultures. Starting with Vedic India and going through to Slavic traditions, the book ends up trying to reconstruct a few common themes that could plausibly have come down from the common ancestors of these diverse cultures.

[Mariah]

Mpls Central: BL311.P84 1987

[Maya · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good beginner comparison of different mythologies.

[Mady · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read only select chapters for school reading a

[Dan Weiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is a must for anyone seriously studying mythology. However, I found the book absolutely dizzying with the amount if information and casual references within. The majority if this comparative approach is linguistics. I would recommend already having a background knowledge of all the mythologies addressed. Otherwise you might get list with all the name-dropping and rapid-fire examples.

I read this book for casual enjoyment and it should be treated as a course book.