The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion (Third Edition, Vol. 04 of 12)

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Author Frazer, James George, 1854-1941
Title The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion (Third Edition, Vol. 04 of 12)
Note Reading ease score: 67.3 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
Summary "The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion" by James George Frazer is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This exhaustive work explores the interconnections between various ancient religious practices, rituals, and beliefs, particularly focusing on the concept of divine kingship and the symbolism of death and rebirth in mythology. This volume delves into themes such as the mortality of gods and the ceremonial killing of divine kings, suggesting that these practices stemmed from the belief that a ruler’s vitality was intrinsically linked to the prosperity of their people. At the start of the text, Frazer introduces the complex relationship between divinity and mortality in religious contexts, positing intriguing theories on why cultures historically sacrificed their kings. He opens with an analysis of the notion of immortality among early humans, transitioning into a discussion of the necessity of violent death for divine kings as a means to rejuvenate their sacred powers. Through various examples, including the customs surrounding the Shilluk people and their belief in the king’s life force being crucial for the health of their land, Frazer illustrates how culturally ingrained beliefs about kingship and magical practices shaped societal structures. The opening portion sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the sociocultural significance of these rituals throughout different civilizations. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class BL: Philosophy, Psychology, Religion: Religion: General, Miscellaneous and Atheism
Subject Religion
Subject Magic
Subject Superstition
Subject Mythology
Category Text
EBook-No. 41572
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Jun 15, 2020
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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