In this collection, Robert Segal, one of the leading interpreters of theories of myth, seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the myth and ritual theory.
Acknowledgements. Introduction.
Part I: Original Formulation of the Theory: .
1. Lectures on the Religion of the Semites: William Robertson Smith.
Part II: The Development of Theory: .
2. The Golden Bough: James Frazer.
3. Themis: Jane Harrison.
4. The Myth and Ritual Pattern of the Ancient East: S. H. Hooke.
Part III: Application of Theory to the Ancient World: .
5. Excursus on the Ritual Forms Preserved in Greek Tragedy: Gilbert Murray.
6. A Ritual Basis for Hesiod's Theogony.
7. New Year Festivals: Ivan Engnell.
Part IV: Application of the Theory Worldwide:.
8. The Life-giving Myth: A. M. Hocart.
9. The Beginnings of Religion: E. O. James.
10. Myth in Primitive Psychology: Bronislaw Malinowski.
11. Myth and Reality: Mircea Eliade.
Part V: Application of the Theory to Literature:.
12. The Hero of Tradition: Lord Raglan.
13. From Ritual to Romance: Jessie L. Weston.
14. The Archetypes of Literature: Northrop Frye.
15. The Ritual View of Myth and the Mythic: Stanley Edgar Hyman.
16. The Idea of a Theater: Francis Fergusson.
17. The Myth and Ritual Approach to Shakespearean Tragedy: Herbert Weisinger.
18. What is Myth?: René Girard.
Part VI: Revisions of the Theory: .
19. Thespis: Theodor H. Gaster.
20. Myths and Rituals: A General Theory: Clyde Kluckhohn.
21. Homo Necans: Walter Burkert.
22. Structure and Dialectics: Claude Lévi-Strauss.
Part VII: Evaluations of the Theory:.
23. The Dramas and Dramatic Dances of Non-European Races: William Ridgeway.
24. Introduction to Apollodorus, The Library: James Frazer.
25. The Evidence of Divine Kings in Greece: H. J. Rose.
26. The Myth and Ritual Position Critically Examined: S. G. F. Brandon.
27. The Myth-Ritual Theory: William Bascom.
28. The Ritual Theory of Myth: Joseph Fontenrose.
29. Prospects: H. S. Versnel.
Further Reading.
Index.
