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This book explores the connection between history and mythology by engaging with myths not as allegories or falsehoods, but as representations of historical experience.
Historical approaches to myth are often absent from discussions of mythology, which favour symbolic and psychological interpretations. This analysis traces certain episodes of myths' complex ancestries, from when their relationship with history could not so easily be severed, to subsequent attempts, which misunderstood myths as confused, undeveloped lenses for humanity to view the world. Drawing on the works of English philosopher R.G. Collingwood and the Romanticism movement, the book argues for the expansion of methodological approaches to myths. It explores the ways in which myths have served as clues for the history of civilization and humanity's ever-changing complexities.
The Historical Value of Myths is an illuminating read for advanced undergraduates, postgraduates, and researchers in the fields of mythology, the philosophy of history, and anthropology.
List of contents
Part 1 1. The Enigma of Myth as History: The View from Antiquity 2. The Decadence of Myth: "Priestly Lies", Exaggerated Histories and Allegories 3. The Significance of Method: R.G. Collingwood and Fairy Tales as Myths Part 2 4. Romantic Historiography and Myths 5. Edmund Burke: The Forgotten Historian 6. Conclusion: The Historicity of Myths: Some Thoughts on History and Myth
About the author
John Karabelas is an independent researcher with interests in the philosophy of history and European cultural and intellectual history. He has published articles on R.G. Collingwood’s philosophy ("Fairy Tales and Totemism," 2011; "Rationalism and the Law," 2015), and the philosophy of history of the British idealists (2018).
Summary
This book explores the connection between history and mythology by engaging with myths not as allegories or falsehoods, but as representations of historical experience.
