Custom and Myth New Edition

by Andrew Lang

"Custom and Myth" by Andrew Lang is a scholarly examination of the relationship between mythology and folklore written in the late 19th century. The work delves into how myths from various cultures, particularly Greek and savage traditions, share common roots and reflect primitive human thought processes. It critiques prevalent methods in comparative mythology, advocating for a more anthropological approach to understanding myths as products of early human imagination rather than purely linguistic constructs. At the start of "Custom and Myth," the author outlines his preface and introduction, which establish the foundation for his analysis. Lang emphasizes that myths often arise from common human experiences and natural phenomena, suggesting they should be studied in conjunction with folklore. The opening sections discuss various scholars' interpretations of mythological names and emphasize the necessity of re-evaluating these tales as remnants of a more primitive, savage stage of thought. The discussion hints at the examination of particular myths, like the myth of Cronus, and presents a framework for understanding how ancient stories across different cultures can demonstrate shared themes and similar strangeness rooted in humanity's collective past.