Myths and myth-makers: Old Tales and Superstitions Interpreted by Comparative Mythology   By: John Fiske (1842-1901)

The book I recently read, written by John Fiske, delves into the fascinating world of myths and myth-making in a manner that is both informative and thought-provoking. Fiske's work, "Myths and myth-makers: Old Tales and Superstitions Interpreted by Comparative Mythology," takes readers on a journey through various ancient folklore tales and analyzes them from a comparative mythology perspective.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in Fiske's ability to present complex concepts in a straightforward manner. Despite the subject matter's scholarly nature, Fiske manages to engage readers without overwhelming them with technical jargon. This makes the book accessible to both casual readers and those with a deeper interest in mythology. By decoding ancient stories and connecting them across different cultures, Fiske reveals the underlying threads that tie them all together, providing a profound understanding of the human psyche and how myths originate.

Throughout the book, Fiske takes readers on an intellectual expedition through various mythologies, including Norse, Greek, Indian, and Native American. He skillfully dissects these tales, exploring their origins, their purpose within the cultures they emerged from, and their enduring relevance in contemporary society. Fiske's comparative analysis sheds light on both the common archetypes found in myths and the differences that illustrate the uniqueness of each culture's storytelling tradition.

One aspect that makes this book particularly compelling is the way Fiske blends scholarship with a sense of wonder. His passion for the subject matter is evident, and he's able to convey it to readers, making the exploration of myths an engaging and enjoyable experience. The author's ability to captivate readers with narratives from different cultures creates a bridge between past and present, inviting us to reflect on our own beliefs, superstitions, and the enduring power of storytelling.

Furthermore, Fiske's writing style is clear, concise, and constantly engaging. The book strikes a balance between providing scholarly analysis and maintaining an accessible tone, allowing readers to effortlessly grasp complex ideas. Additionally, Fiske utilizes various examples and references to support his arguments, backing up his claims with well-researched evidence. This attention to detail further augments the credibility of his work and enhances the overall reading experience.

Despite the book's strengths, one minor drawback is its occasional repetition. Certain key concepts and ideas are reiterated throughout the text, which can sometimes feel redundant. While this repetition may serve to reinforce important points, it occasionally comes across as unnecessary and could have been trimmed to maintain a tighter narrative.

In conclusion, "Myths and myth-makers: Old Tales and Superstitions Interpreted by Comparative Mythology" stands as a comprehensive exploration of the significance and enduring power of mythology. Fiske successfully combines scholarly research with an accessible writing style, making this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history, psychology, and symbolism behind ancient myths. By unraveling these ancient tales, Fiske provides readers with a deeper understanding of the human condition and the shared cultural heritage embedded within these stories, ensuring that the book's impact lingers long after the final page.

First Page:

IN publishing this somewhat rambling and unsystematic series of papers, in which I have endeavoured to touch briefly upon a great many of the most important points in the study of mythology, I think it right to observe that, in order to avoid confusing the reader with intricate discussions, I have sometimes cut the matter short, expressing myself with dogmatic definiteness where a sceptical vagueness might perhaps have seemed more becoming. In treating of popular legends and superstitions, the paths of inquiry are circuitous enough, and seldom can we reach a satisfactory conclusion until we have travelled all the way around Robin Hood's barn and back again. I am sure that the reader would not have thanked me for obstructing these crooked lanes with the thorns and brambles of philological and antiquarian discussion, to such an extent as perhaps to make him despair of ever reaching the high road... Continue reading book >>