This week I have been reading two very different books, one being an academic study of world myths, magic and religion, the other a beautiful collection of American Indian fairy stories for children.
The Golden Bough by Sir James George Frazer
Sir James George Fraser was a Scottish social anthropologist, influential in the early days of studies in mythology and comparative religion. The Golden Bough is his most famous work (1890) in which he documents the similarities among magical and religious beliefs.
I came across this book when looking at Northern European folklore surrounding the birch tree and decided to delve a little deeper into his work. I sent for a second-hand copy and found it to be a HUGE read! Needless to say I have “dipped into it” rather than read all 850 pages. One reviewer wrote:
“To be clear, I have not finished this book, and will not for many years. This book takes time to digest and fully understand.”
Another reviewer states:
“As Einstein is to physics, Darwin to biology, Marx to social theory and Freud to psychology, so is Sir James Frazer to anthropology.”
The Golden Bough is a painting from 1834 by J.M.W. Turner, depicting the episode of the golden bough from Virgil’s Aeneid. It represents the endless cycle of death and rebirth, as the priest who guards it is killed and replaced by a new priest, who will eventually meet the same fate.
American Indian Fairy Tales by Margaret Compton
(Dodd, Mead & Company,1907. First published 1895)
What a delight to read! I was transported to a magical world of nature and animals, the stories captivated me. In one Ojibwe legend, “How the Birch got its Burns” Waynaboozhoo’s grandmother asked him to find the fire that the Thunderbird kept in the west. He did this, disguised as a rabbit. At the Thunderbird’s home he asked to be let in as he was cold and hungry. Thunderbird let him in. When Thunderbird’s back was turned, Waynaboozhoo stole the fire. Thunderbird was angry, flying behind the fleeing Waynaboozhoo and trying to sear him with thunderbolts. A birch tree gave protection and the white birch was seared many times by the lightening bolts, but saved Waynaboozhoo.
In “The Old Man and the Lynx” a birch tree helps to prevent the old man from being blown away. Birch trees have strong roots that do not blow away as easily as other trees. Old man is being blown away by a harsh wind until he comes to a birch tree which protects him until he can calm the wind. In thanks for this he marks the birch tree in a long line with his knife, marks which the tree still carries today.
Comments