Every culture has evolved its own mythology, defining its character and offering a way to understand the world. This collection of myths and legends contains stories drawn from the four outstanding traditions of Europe. Greek, Roman, Celtic and Norse legends which form the core of European mythological thought.
All human socities recognise powers that are greater than themselves, such as light and dark; sun, storm and frost; flood and drought; and the growth of the plants on which their lives depend. Investing such powers with spirits that have a recognisable human nature has allowed people to make greater sense of a random and threating universe. Propitiating the spirits with offerings and prayers allows their worshippers to feel that they have a degree of control. At the same time, by seeking the protection of a deity, devotees are able to relinquish responsibility for their own lives to a higher authority. Myths concerning gods and goddesses help to give shape to the powers that are seen to preserve or endanger humanity.
Vincent
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