Overview

This volume is an up-to-date, highly readable study of the female aspect of religion both in past and present mythologies. It explores the function and nature of goddesses and their cults in many cultures, including Celtic, Roman, Norse, Caucasian and Japanese traditions. The contributors explore the reasons for the existence of so many goddesses in the mythological traditions of largely patriarchal societies. They demonstrate how, in many myths, the female deity is seen as more ambivalent than her male counterparts, curing and cursing at whim. They show goddesses do not play primarily 'feminine' roles in myths; war, hunting and sovereignty being equally important aspects of their cults. Lindsay Allason-Jones, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Carmen Blacker, formerly of Cambridge University, Anna Chaudhri, University of Cambridge, Hilda Ellis Davidson, fo

Full Product Details

9780415197892

Table of Contents

Reviews

An outstanding source of information about goddesses not only of northern Europe, including Britain and Ireland, but also of Rome, the Caucasus and Japan. -Wood and Water

An outstanding source of information about goddesses not only of northern Europe, including Britain and Ireland, but also of Rome, the Caucasus and Japan. -Wood and Water

'An impressive and scholarly volume.' - Lynn Meskell, At the Edge 'Very highly recommended.' - The Cauldron '... an outstanding source of information about goddesses not only of northern Europe, including Britain and Ireland, but also of Rome, the Caucasus and Japan.' - Wood and Water 'Highly recommended [it] illuminate[s] a profound understanding of the goddess, heretofore largely neglected by scholars or else romanticized by popular books.' - Annabel Lee, Runa

An outstanding source of information about goddesses not only of northern Europe, including Britain and Ireland, but also of Rome, the Caucasus and Japan. <br>-Wood and Water <br>

Author Information

Sandra Billington, Miranda Green

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available