Myths of Creation

How are discarded scientific hypotheses different from myths? This is just one of the many surprising questions raised and answered in Myths of Creation, a study of myths, religious beliefs and scientific theories about the origin and the creation of the universe. Philip Freund's pioneering methodology has ensured that Myths of Creation remains today an outstanding work to rank alongside other classics in its field such as The Golden Bough and Hero of a Thousand Faces. Freund estimates that there are over 500 flood myths told by over 250 tribes or peoples on our planet. In gathering such creation stories from almost every country and historical period – highlighting their contrasts as well as their startling similarities – Freund reveals the workings of the human mind and imagination. He breaks down the myths of creation into their various categories, providing the reader with examples of each as well as summarising analytical perspectives where these occur. He provides clear and highly accessible explanations of the relevant theories of thinkers such as Freud and Jung, Frazer and Malinowski. Can myths be determined as primitive history based on literal fact? Are they racial dreams of profound sexual meaning? Or are they merely tales told for entertainments sake? Myths of Creation provides an unparalleled guide to humankind's multitudinous explanations of how this world came into being. Established as a standard reference work, it is a must for any mind, body, spirit bookshelf.