Creation Myths

by Marie-Louise von Franz

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Creation myths are the deepest and most important of all myths because they are concerned with both the basic patterns of existence and the ultimate meaning of life. In this book, an eminent Jungian analyst examines the recurring motifs that appear in creation myths from around the world and shows what they teach us about the mysteries of creativity, the cycles of renewal in human life, and the birth of consciousness in the individual psyche. Among the topics discussed are: Why the creative show more process is often accompanied by anxiety, depression, loneliness, and fear of the unknown. The meaning of creation motifs such as the egg, the seed, the primordial being, the creative fire, the separation of heaven and earth, and the four stages of creation. Creation symbolism in the alchemical opus of medieval tradition. How creation-myth motifs appear in the dreams of people who are on the verge of a leap forward in consciousness. show less

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I purchased this book in the belief that it was a collection (presumably with some analysis) of creation myths from various cultures. It kind of contains some creation myths but the emphasis is very much on the Jungian interpretation of these myths and I must confess that I found it all so tedious that I have not bothered to finish reading the book. I was also greatly put-off when I read (on p91) "That there is a beautiful tale told by the Australian Aborigines which says that the bow and arrow were not man's invention, but an ancestor god turned himself into a bow and his wife became the bowstring.....". Well this might have been a beautiful story but the Australian Aboriginals did not develop or have the bow and arrow. This certainly show more throws a lot of doubt in my mind about the quality of the research and thinking in this book. It's not a book I would recommend ...nor do I want to waste my time finishing it. Hence my extremely low rating. show less
½

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132+ Works 5,087 Members
Marie-Louise von Franz worked closely with C.G. Jung from 1934 until his death in 1961. A founder of the C.G. Jung Institute in Zurich, she has lectured and published widely on various aspects of analytical psychology.

Classifications

Genres
Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, General Nonfiction
DDC/MDS
291.2ReligionOther religions[Formerly: General Religious Topics][formerly: Doctrines. Relocated to 202]
LCC
BL226 .F73Philosophy, Psychology and ReligionReligions. Mythology. RationalismReligions. Mythology. RationalismNatural theologyCreation. Theory of the earth
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Statistics

Members
158
Popularity
207,120
Reviews
1
Rating
½ (3.30)
Languages
5 — English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese
Media
Paper, Ebook
ISBNs
8
ASINs
2