Sources of mythology

the long version

Myths are cultural and historical documents of extraordinary importance. Often they represent the oldest written relics still extant from a particular culture. They enable us to glimpse at the worldviews of ancient civilizations. Yet myths are more than mere relics of bygone times: they are still alive and continue to matter in present-day society. This volume explores ancient and contemporary myths from diverse cultural backgrounds. Leading mythologists investigate the sources of mythology, providing an insight into the current state of research in the field of comparative mythology.