Carl Otfried Müller

Unver nderter Nachdruck der Originalausgabe von 1843.

Unver nderter Nachdruck der Originalausgabe von 1843.

This pioneering work by the influential German classicist Karl Ottfried Müller (1797–1840) was one of the earliest scholarly books to address the question of the origins and meaning of the Greek myths. Published in Göttingen in 1825, it proposes a definition of 'myth' and goes on to suggest how possible sources for myths might be identified in historical events. Müller discusses how the age of particular myths might be established, either from the dates of such events, or from datable references to the myths in literary sources, and how the original substance of a myth might be distinguished from later accretions or modifications in poetry and prose. He also considers the interpretation of myths and their symbolic functions. Müller concludes with examples of how his method might be applied to particular cases, and a chapter comparing his proposals with those of other scholars.

This two-volume book, originally published in German in 1824, was revised, corrected and enlarged for this 1830 English translation. Carl Otfried Müller (1797–1840) was a pioneering scholar of ancient civilisations and Greek mythology, who taught at Göttingen for twenty years, but died in Greece during an archaeological expedition. This, the second volume, focuses first on the political institutions of the Dorians, their monetary systems and taxation. The second part discusses domestic life, architecture and dress, the treatment of women, marriage, manners and education. Finally, Müller describes music and literature, the distinction between tragedy and comedy, and lyric poetry. This substantial study was a landmark in its field and is still consulted by scholars and students of ancient history, philosophy and religion.

This two-volume book, originally published in German in 1824, was revised, corrected and enlarged for this 1830 English translation. Carl Otfried Müller (1797–1840) was a pioneering scholar of ancient civilisations and Greek mythology, who taught at Göttingen for twenty years, but died in Greece during an archaeological expedition. This first volume focuses on the history of the Dorians from the earliest times to the end of the Peloponnesian War. Müller proposes Mount Olympus as the original home of the Dorians, and describes their subsequent migrations and their principles of government. The second part of Volume 1 is devoted to the religion and mythology of the Dorians and gives detailed accounts of the temples of Apollo and other temples in Asia Minor. The final two chapters discuss the legends and mythology of Hercules.