Myth in Indo-European Antiquity

Myth in Indo-European Antiquity offers a compelling collection of essays that explore the profound narratives and symbolic structures of Indo-European mythology, inspired by the groundbreaking work of Georges Dumézil. Emerging from a 1971 symposium at the University of California, Santa Barbara, the volume brings together scholars from diverse fields such as linguistics, anthropology, and religious studies to address Dumézil's comparative methods and extend his legacy into new areas of mythological inquiry. These essays not only analyze the intricate mythological frameworks of ancient Indo-European societies but also highlight the interplay between myth, culture, and societal structures, emphasizing myth as both a narrative of the sacred and a reflection of social ideology.

The collection is meticulously curated to balance theoretical depth and interdisciplinary breadth. It begins with methodological discussions, including Dumézil’s own reflections on mythological archetypes, and transitions into comparative studies of Indo-European traditions. The essays probe themes like dual sovereignty, warrior ethos, and economic productivity within mythological narratives, employing Dumézil’s tripartite ideological framework. By weaving together historical insights and contemporary perspectives, Myth in Indo-European Antiquity not only deepens our understanding of myth as a cultural and religious phenomenon but also underscores its enduring relevance in the study of human civilization.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1974.