Tales of Darkness. The Mythology of Evil

Explores the causes of evil in myth, encompassing themes such as defilement, the figure of the trickster, evil people both within and outside the society, and traumatic initiations. Sales Points Author is authority in the field and has written Continuum's Key Concept title on Myth. The topic of evil in human existence and ways of dealing with it is of perennial interest. A general, non-technical discussion of the myths, ancient and modern, from cultures around the world. Description Evil, an undeniable yet inexplicable force in human existence, is often defined as that which ought not to be, yet is - so it must be destroyed, or contained, or lived with. Myths of evil function to universalize the human condition, to show the tension between the ideal and the real, to reveal but not allegorize that condition, and to go some way to assist humanity in understanding, combating and coping with evil within its societies. Tales of Darkness explores the causes of evil in myth, encompassing themes such as defilement, the figure of the trickster, evil people both within and outside the society, and traumatic initiations. Robert Ellwood then looks at 'cures' for evil: laughter, sacrifice, the flood, the hero's quest, initiation, the saviour, divine wisdom and the end of days. This is a fascinating examination of how people have dealt with evil, not philosophically but in terms of the myths, ancient and modern, which present stories convergent with our own, from creation myths to Star Wars. [Språk: Engelska] Häftad

Titel: Tales of Darkness. The Mythology of Evil
Förlag: Continuum