The Universal Myths: Heroes, Gods, Tricksters and Others

by Alexander Eliot, Joseph Campbell, Mircea Eliade (Contributor)

Crossing the boundaries of time, region, and culture, universal myths have provided inspiration and guidance for countless generations—laying a foundation for the religious, social, and political heritage of nations and peoples since the beginning of time. Here is a rich and absorbing survey of the common myths that connect all cultures, Eastern and Western, from antiquity to the present day. With stunning power, the stuff of legend is explored in all its drama and magnificence. There are stories of gods and men—and legendary heroes from Zeus to King Arthur to the “Superman” of modern media; tales of heaven, earth, and the origins of man from Hindu, American Indian, and Western thought; and retellings of mythic quests and legendary lovers, from the epic wanderings of Odysseus to the tragedy of Tristram and Iseult and the Krishna marriage of Heaven and Earth. This extraordinary work, compiled and arranged by theme from stories of creation to tales of death and rebirth, examines and compares the world’s myths that have shaped our common past and continue to influence us still.

Genres: Mythology, Nonfiction, Religion

273 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[David Sasaki · Rating 3 out of 5]

All I would say is skip the three intros and head straight to the myths, especially if you've already read anything by Joseph Campbell or seen him on PBS. Alexander Eliot's intro reads like it was written after too many glasses of wine, the academic who follows is way to, well, academic, and Joseph Campbell sounds like he's just not into it compares to his other writings. Unlike Eliot's introductory writing though, the way he retells each of the myths is lucid and compelling. It is a fun book to flip though before bed.

[Maura Alia Badji · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given The Universal Myths: Heroes, Gods, Tricksters and Others a higher rating if it had fully delivered on its title. I read it mainly in search of material on the Trickster archetype. Despite its inclusion in the title, in Eliot's book the Trickster did not merit a chapter or even inclusion in the index. I was disappointed and my rating reflects so.

[Regina Hunter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finally finished it, almost died.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

so far this is really good. the author is son of a would be author, and admits to having written it soo slowly due to his being in a distracting forest in England, and quotes his mother as advising him"let the forest speak through you."
I think you should ALL write a book. ITs the best thing you can do. SO finally I finished this ..whew! Parts of it are a chore to get through,but some stories are really loads of fun.

[Greg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eliot retells myth's and doesn't always keep close enough to the original to have much academic substance. Finding interesting elements isn't hard for people interested in mythology, but the book fails as a complete work.

[Stela]

It was a very pleasant and light read. It had a lot of stories (examples of selected myths). I was personally hoping for more theory, but overall, it was an excellent non fiction book

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had hoped for more analysis, but this book was mostly a collection of stories. The best parts were the first two intros, one by Joseph Campbell. It was okay, I guess.

[Lloyd Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent source for a wide range of mythological stories. The introduction by Joseph Campbell is sweet as well.

[Kent Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding book to introduce you to the myths of the world and to see their striking similarities and differences. A must read for those interested in mythology.

[Oliver Ho · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts felt dated but overall it was an interesting collection.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of world mythology.

[Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting overview - now I want to read more!