Myth A Very Short Introduction

In this very short introduction Robert Segal introduces the array of approaches used to understand the study of myth. these approaches hail from disciplines as varied as anthropology, sociology, psychology, literary criticism, philosophy, science, and religious studies. Including ideas from theorists as varied as Sigmund Freud, Claude Lévi-Strauss, Albert Camus, and Roland Barthes, Segal uses the famous ancient myth of Adonis to analyse their individual approaches and theories.

In this new edition, he not only considers the future study of myth, but also considers the interactions of myth theory with cognitive science, the implications of the myth of Gaia, and the differences between story-telling and myth.looks at the origins of the study of myths, and how they have been applied to the arts and sciences reveals how a variety of theories can be applied to ancient myths, but also to modern mythology. Explores the function of myths, and their subject matter. Considers the work of prominent thinkers such as Albert Camus, Claude Lévi-Strauss, Roland Barthes, C. G. Jung, and Sigmund Freud

part of the bestselling very short introductions series - over seven million copies sold worldwide introduction: theories of myth

1: myth and science

2: myth and philosophy

3: myth and religion

4: myth and ritual

5: myth and literature

6: myth and psychology

7: myth and structure

8: myth and politics

conclusion: bringing myth back to the world

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