The Pan principle

by f-pitt-kethley

The Pan Principle is the story of a woman's travels in search of a variety of sites sacret to god Pan in Greece. Pan, half-goat, half-man, is the only god who is said by the ancients to have died. The mystery of his supposed death is discussed as the various shrines and areas connected to him are examined. His earliest territory was the little-visited province of Arcadia. From there his workship and reputation spread with Greek and Roman culture. Pan's appeal has always been an enduring one, both to his early worshippers and later writers who have identified him with a variety of figures, including both Christ and the Deveil. In every era, poets have found different meanings in the stories of life and death. A powerful tribute to a potent symbol, this is an unmissable exploration, evocation and discussion of the god Pan.

315 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a signed copy that I bought in the 1990s. A much under rated travel narrative exploring the mythology of ancient Greece, with the author somewhat obsessively seeking out the old places of worship of Pan. She's very erudite about the myths and ancient geography of pagan Greece, and an entertaining travel writer about 1990s Greece. Plus we get accounts of her opportunities to shag her way round the country in great detail, not always to her satisfaction...
In places, hilarious!