Creation myths

by Marie-Louise von Franz

Paperback, 1995

Publication

Imprint: Boston : Shambhala, 1995. Context: Revised edition of: Patterns of creativity mirrored in creation myths. Responsibility: Marie-Louise von Franz. Physical: Text : 1 volume : viii, 374 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm. Features: Includes index.

Call number

Psy-J / Franz

Barcode

BK-05085

ISBN

087773528X / 9780877735281

CSS Library Notes

Description: Creation myths are the deepest and most important of all myths because they are concerned with both the basic patterns of existence and the ultimate meaning of life. In this book, an eminent Jungian analyst examines the recurring motifs that appear in creation myths from around the world and shows what they teach us about the mysteries of creativity, the cycles of renewal in human life, and the birth of consciousness in the individual psyche. Among the topics discussed are: Why the creative process is often accompanied by anxiety, depression, loneliness, and fear of the unknown. The meaning of creation motifs such as the egg, the seed, the primordial being, the creative fire, the separation of heaven and earth, and the four stages of creation. Creation symbolism in the alchemical opus of medieval tradition. How creation-myth motifs appear in the dreams of people who are on the verge of a leap forward in consciousness. -- from back cover

Table of Contents: The creation myth --
The cosmogonic awakening --
Creation from above, creation from below --
The two creators --
Deus Faber --
The first victim --
Subjective moods of the creator --
Germs and eggs --
The twofold and fourfold division of the universe --
Abortive attempts at creation --
Chains --
Creation renewed and reversed.

FY2002 /

Physical description

viii, 374 p.; 22 cm

Description

Creation myths are the deepest and most important of all myths because they are concerned with both the basic patterns of existence and the ultimate meaning of life. In this book, an eminent Jungian analyst examines the recurring motifs that appear in creation myths from around the world and shows what they teach us about the mysteries of creativity, the cycles of renewal in human life, and the birth of consciousness in the individual psyche. Among the topics discussed are: Why the creative process is often accompanied by anxiety, depression, loneliness, and fear of the unknown. The meaning of creation motifs such as the egg, the seed, the primordial being, the creative fire, the separation of heaven and earth, and the four stages of creation. Creation symbolism in the alchemical opus of medieval tradition. How creation-myth motifs appear in the dreams of people who are on the verge of a leap forward in consciousness.… (more)

Language

Original language

German

User reviews

LibraryThing member booktsunami
I purchased this book in the belief that it was a collection (presumably with some analysis) of creation myths from various cultures. It kind of contains some creation myths but the emphasis is very much on the Jungian interpretation of these myths and I must confess that I found it all so tedious
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that I have not bothered to finish reading the book. I was also greatly put-off when I read (on p91) "That there is a beautiful tale told by the Australian Aborigines which says that the bow and arrow were not man's invention, but an ancestor god turned himself into a boa and his wife became the bowstring.....". Well this might have been a beautiful story but the Australian Aboriginals did not develop or have the bow and arrow. This certainly throws a lot of doubt in my mind about the quality of the research and thinking in this book. It's not a book I would recommend ...nor do i want to waste my time finishing it. Hence my extremely low rating.
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Rating

(5 ratings; 3.3)
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