Author
Margaret Alice Murray
1863-1963
Margaret Alice Murray (1863-1963) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaBooks by Margaret Alice Murray
The Witch-cult in Western Europe: A Study in Anthropology
"The Witch-Cult in Western Europe: A Study in Anthropology" by Margaret Alice Murray is an anthropological study published in 1921. Murray presents a controversial theory: that European witch trials targeted practitioners of an ancient, secret pagan religion worshiping a horned god, not deluded or innocent victims. She argues this pre-Christian fertility cult survived underground for centuries, organized into disciplined covens, until Christianity launched its persecution during the Reformation. Drawing on witch trial records and James Frazer's work, Murray reinterprets confessions as evidence of genuine religious practices rather than fantasy or heresy.
Ancient Egyptian legends
"Ancient Egyptian Legends" by Margaret Alice Murray is a collection of mythological tales written in the early 20th century. The book recounts the rich legends of ancient Egyptian gods and their exploits, offering readers an accessible retelling of stories that have captivated scholars and enthusiasts alike. Aimed at a general audience, it presents narratives of legendary figures such as King Rameses, Osiris, and Horus, highlighting their adventures and relationships within a vibrant mythological context. The opening of the work introduces the premise and intentions behind the narratives presented. The author explains her approach to retelling these legends, maintaining the essence of the Egyptian stories while adapting them for English readers. The first story, "The Princess and the Demon," features King Rameses, who is beset with challenges surrounding his newfound love, Queen Neferu-Ra, and her family. As the tale unfolds, it explores themes of love, duty, and supernatural intervention, setting the stage for the epic conflicts and divine interactions that characterize the subsequent stories in the collection. Overall, this introduction promises a rich exploration of Egyptian mythology, inviting the reader into a fascinating world of gods, kings, and enchanted beings.
Oude Egyptische Legenden
"Oude Egyptische Legenden" by M.A. Murray is a collection of ancient Egyptian myths and legends written in the early 20th century. The text delves into the rich tapestry of Egyptian mythology, exploring the stories of gods and heroes that shaped the beliefs and culture of ancient Egypt. The collection aims to spark interest in the religion and civilization of this ancient society among contemporary readers. The opening of the book introduces several intriguing stories centered around prominent gods like Ramses, Osiris, Khonsu, and Isis. In the first tale, titled "The Princess and the Demon," King Ramses is depicted as a great warrior and ruler who seeks to save Bent-reshy, the ailing sister of his queen, Neferu-Ra, with the aid of the learned scribe Tehuti-em-heb. As the narrative unfolds, themes of magical confrontations, divine interventions, and the eternal struggle between good and evil emerge, inviting readers into a world where the lines between the mortal and the divine are intricately woven. This captivating mythology sets the stage for more stories that follow in Murray's collection.