Mythology: The Voyage of the Hero

by David A. Leeming

What makes something mythic? What do mythic events and narratives have to do with us? In Mythology, David Leeming offers an unusual and effective approach to the subject of mythology by stressing universal themes through myths of many cultures. This anthology collects a wide array of narrative texts from the Bible to English literature to interpretations by Joseph Campbell, C.G. Jung, and others, which illustrate how myths serve whole societies in our universal search for meaning.Leeming illustrates the various stages or rites of passage of the mythic universal hero, from birth to childhood, through trial and quest, death, descent, rebirth, and ascension. The arrangement of texts by themes such as "Childhood, Initiation and Divine Signs," "The Descent to the Underworld," and "Resurrection and Rebirth" strip mythic characters of their many national and cultural "masks" to reveal their archetypal aspects. Real figures, including Jesus and Mohammed, are also included underlining the theory that myths are real and can be applied to real life. This edition is updated to include additional heroine myths, as well as Navajo, Indonesian, Indian, Chinese, and African tales.

Genres: Mythology, Nonfiction, Literature, Classics, Reference

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

aka David Adams Leeming

Reviews

[Sohail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great anthology from David Leeming. In this book, he has focused on the hero's journey. The book's structure is based on phases and themes, which may alienate some people. Instead of studying each myth separately, Leeming has discussed different phases of the hero's journey in separate chapters. He has divided each myth into smaller sections, and each section has been put in the corresponding chapter. The sections that did not correspond with any chapter have been omitted altogether. As a result, you will not find complete myths here, but the thematic study is fluid and orderly.

[Miguel]

No sé si exista la versión en español, pero es un libro imprescindible para cualquier persona interesada en el estudio de la aventura del héroe o el monomito.

[Dylan Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely needed a departure from what I've been reading to more fundamental reading, and Mythology was an excellent read. Rekindled my love of myth and tied it into an analytical interpretation of many stories from many regions. I knew much of the material but seeing it formatted this way in terms of a trend of heroes born of virgin births, showing mythic promise, completing heroic tasks, dying, descending, and arising was more meaningful.

[Laurel Curley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mythology: The Voyage of The Hero by David Adams Leeming
⭐️⭐️⭐️

This novel presents many short stories of mythical and historical heroes from around the world. I enjoyed how Leeming took these stories and simplified them into short stories. Each chapter of the novel takes on a different theme and finishes with an overarching discussion. Overall I enjoyed reading these stories throughout the winter!

[Deniz Yıldız · Rating 5 out of 5]

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