Myth and Knowing: An Introduction to World Mythology Myth and Knowing

by Scott A. Leonard, Michael McClure

"Myth and Knowing" is a rich resource of myths and mythology through the ages, in which scholarly and literary materials combine to provide a seamless portrait of this multicultural topic. Balanced and nuanced discussions explore the ways in which myths have portrayed both men and women. In addition, art and maps contextualize selected myths, providing insights into the cultures and religious traditions from which they originated.

Genres: Mythology, Nonfiction, Religion, Textbooks, History, School, Reference

432 pages, Paperback

First published February 18, 2003

Reviews

[Nicholas Karpuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mother always had a tendency towards interesting reading choices, and usually indulged mine when I was younger. I read a great deal of mythology in my youth, though most of it focused on either monsters or tricksters, since one consistently entertained and the other sparked a lot of empathy in a kid who never worked out how to avoid getting caught during acts of mischief.

Most classes I took taught Mythology either as literature or as a jumping off point to express how enamored they were with Joseph Campbell. As the first chapter points out, people tend to view Mythology as mere evidence to prove whatever larger point they have about psychology, sociology, or other discipline. It was nice to see a book that treated the myths of various cultures as valuable simply for what they were created for.

Because they are valuable. As an only child who never really saw his outlook reflected in peers or adults, it gave me some sense that simply because you get into trouble doesn't mean there's not value in getting out of it, that screwing up might be acceptable.

I had this book assigned to me as part of a college course, one of the first I've taken since starting community college, and more than anything I found the lack of condescension refreshing. One thing I always resented in mythology was the pedantic way they felt they needed to explain other cultures and tweak the mythology both for inappropriate content and odd culturally specific behavior. This book leaves it in warts and all and assumes we're all adults capable of dealing with it.

It's a hard, fairly intense read, but well worth the effort.

[Evan Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a special moment in a persons life when they discover that a horny Sumerian wrote their own 50 Shades of Grey, vis a vis, The Courtship of Inanna and Dumuzi.

I'm not one to read text books for fun--and I suppose I won't make a habit of it--but this ding dang book was a joy.

Heed not the reviews that clammer on about so-called anti christian biasies. Those claims are equally false as they are biased in themselves. Mr. Leonard is abundandly cheritable with all the myths he features, no matter how widely practiced or believed in--something these bemoaned reviewers would know nothing about.

Recommended for those who can't tell the difference between a venerable old man with a white beard a big ol' billy goat.

[Lizbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t that interested at first but once I kept reading, the more I was starting to get interested! There are many different perspectives on myths, gods, and goddess. The most Interesting one was about the different perspectives on how earth was created!

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read for school solid collection of myths

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for a Mythology class. Great stories of mythology from multiple cultures and ages (not just Greek) - but the author was clearly biased against Christianity, practically insulting anyone who believes the "myths" found in Scripture. I understand if he doesn't believe in it personally, but I felt that he over-emphasized that in his supposedly objective textbook.

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this book would have been more interesting if I was into the broad spectrum of mythology. I did like the sections on Greek, African-American, Native American, and South American mythology. I did not like Christianity being called a myth, though I guess it could be considered to be the same type of belief system as the others.

[Julianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading these myths. I was always into mythology so when I used this book for a school course I was very happy and kept it. It includes a wide variety of myths from different places and organizes them into the types of myths that they are. It was a good compilation rather than getting a book on one culture or myth type life I normally do.

[Terri Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love myths but have to admit that this was rather thick, heavy- and weird-reading. The myths are presented within an academic frame and many are included I had never heard of. Most disgusting were some nasty African and Native American ones as well as others with creation stories involving things being created out of vomit, urination, defecation and semen. Even the earth gets raped.

[Pensieve Thoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not learning that's important, but the leaning. You must lean towards your questions, your problems; lean slowly so that you don't bend the solution too badly out of shape.

- excerpt, Chapter 5: Trickster Myths, 'Coyote Anthro' from Elderberry Flute Song by Peter Blue Cloud (1989)

[Adam Dorey · Rating 3 out of 5]

reading for a "myth, symbol, and allusion class" at metro state university of denver.

[Casey Mage · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the myths but I hated all the theorists arguing about what they mean. and the structure of the book was terrible