The Legend of Perseus

The Legend of Perseus: A Study of Tradition in Story Custom and Belief is a comprehensive analysis of the ancient Greek mythological hero, Perseus, written by Edwin Sidney Hartland. The book explores the various versions of the Perseus myth that have been passed down through the ages, examining the similarities and differences between them and the cultural significance of the story. Hartland delves into the origins of the Perseus myth, tracing its roots back to ancient Near Eastern and Mediterranean cultures. He also examines the ways in which the story of Perseus has been adapted and transformed over time, including its incorporation into other mythological systems and its influence on popular culture. The book explores the themes and symbols that are central to the Perseus myth, such as heroism, fate, and the role of the divine. Hartland also considers the ways in which the story of Perseus reflects the social and cultural values of the societies in which it was told. Overall, The Legend of Perseus: A Study of Tradition in Story Custom and Belief is a fascinating exploration of one of the most enduring and beloved characters in Greek mythology. Hartland's meticulous research and insightful analysis make this book a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts of mythology and folklore.1894. This edition contains both Volume I and II of The Legend of Perseus, by the important British folklorist Hartland. Some believe his Legend of Perseus rivaled The Golden Bough for importance at the turn of the century. Contents: The Legend of Perseus as Preserved in Classical Writers-Its Three Trains of Incident-The Danae Type of the Story in Modern Folklore; The Story in Modern Folklore-The King of the Fishes Type; The Remaining Types of the Story; The Incident of the Supernatural Birth in Marchen; The Supernatural Birth in Sagas; The Supernatural Birth in Practical Superstitions; Death and Birth as Transformation; The Life-Token in Tale and Custom; Witchcraft: Sympathetic Magic; Witchcraft: Philtres-Preventive and Remedial Leechcraft; Sacred Wells and Trees; Totemism-The Blood Covenant-Customs Connected with Saliva; Funeral Rites; Marriage Rites; and The Couvade and other Illustrations of the Strength of the Blood-Tie-Conclusion of the Inquiry into the Theory of the Life-Token. See other works by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.