The new comparative mythology: An anthropological assessment of the theories of Georges Dumézil

by C. Scott Littleton

One of the definitive sources of the scholarship of and beyond Georges Dumezil on the culture, language, and homeland of the Indo-European civilizations.

Genres: Mythology, Religion, Anthropology

242 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Linda Malcor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This groundbreaking work has gone through at least four editions and has stood the test of time well. A frequently used textbook in Anthropology and similar courses, it is approachable for the general reader. Littleton presents the works of Dumezil, which were written in French, to the English-speaking audience. A must read for anyone interested in Indo-European Comparative Mythology.

[M F]

This was interesting, but a bit difficult in places -- a lot of long words, and while it's a reasonable introduction to Dumezil's work, as somebody who knows very little about the cultures that make up the Indo-European umbrella (beyond the obvious ones: Celts, Scandinavians, Romans), some bits presupposed a bit too much knowledge and thus I was lost. I felt the treatment of Celtic material was cursory, and very superficial compared to a lot of the other stuff, often only mentioned as an afterthought. I'm not sure if that's the fault of the author or representative of how little we know about 'Celtic' ideas in general, but since it was why I was reading the book, I was a little disappointed not to have a more comprehensive examination of some ideas. There were certain points, such as the tripartite structure but also the one eye / one hand idea, where I could think of examples that weren't presented in the text, and I'm an undergrad, so that definitely felt under-explored. That isn't to say it was useless for my dissertation purposes, as I think I can clarify a few of my ideas with some quotes from this, particularly the early chapters. But the majority of the book was more some thing to read out of interest than because it was directly relevant.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

For an indepth review please see my website: The New Comparative Method

[Philippe Malzieu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time I go to Népal and India, I see before théatral adaptation for Mahabaratha by Peter Brook. When I return, I read 'Mythe et Epopée" and other books of Dumézil. I think his théory of three fonctions is necessary to understand religion and culture of this country.

[Othy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fair introduction to Dumezil's theories and his critics, though very cursory.