Essays on a Science of Mythology

Book Review: "Introduction to a Science of Mythology" by C.G. Jung and C. Kerenyi

"Introduction to a Science of Mythology" by C.G. Jung and C. Kerenyi is a profound exploration of mythology from a psychological and cultural perspective. The authors delve into the symbolic meanings of myths, providing a deep understanding of their relevance in ancient and modern contexts. Jung's psychoanalytic approach complements Kerenyi's classical scholarship, creating a comprehensive framework combining psychology, anthropology, and mythology. This book is a treasure trove for those studying mythology, as it presents myths not merely as old stories but as living, dynamic symbols that influence human consciousness and culture.

For writers of fantasy show more novels, this book is invaluable. It offers rich insights into archetypal themes and characters, making it a perfect source for constructing deeper, resonant narratives. By understanding myths' underlying psychological and symbolic structures, authors can create stories that speak to universal human experiences. The depth of analysis and the interdisciplinary approach make it a scholarly read and an inspiring one for creative minds. Overall, "Introduction to a Science of Mythology" is essential for anyone interested in the intersection of mythology, psychology, and storytelling. show less

The Demeter/Kore/Persephone triad was fascinating. Linking Artemis, Hecate, Athena and Demeter/Kore/Persephone all together into plausible theories sound like one huge muck-around in the grass...but it's not, thankfully. The patient's dreams are incredibly detailed and read like mini works of Surrealism.

Don't have any comments on the Divine Child section unfortunately, because it went over my head.

Jaspers, Stekel, Adler, Freud, Jung...???: Certainly not to "praise great men," which is anathema to me, but to trace and track the "development of psychology." That is why I have observed its serpentine journey throughout history, slinking as far back as Heraclitus, now rising up into the Aquarian Age, right through Pisces, which brings us to the next development in psychology, Archetypal Psychology, as presented by James Hillman, Jung's worthy successor, which leads the "pupil" for "dominating spirit" to "receptive soul" and beyond, or below, to an ultimately gracious union of the two. At the end of this book by the two Carls, Kerenyi says, "Miracle DO happen in Eleusis," and Eleusis, like Utopia, like the Realm of the Mothers, like show more the Spirit Realm, is DOWN, the very direction in which Hillman points, always, as does Joseph Campbell, e.g., "If you are falling...DIVE!" show less