: It was never meant to be a proto-science or a literal explanation of facts; rather, it was a therapeutic roadmap to help humans navigate the psyche, face death, and find meaning.
: A pivotal era that birthed the great world religions and philosophies (Buddhism, Confucianism, Monotheism, Greek rationalism) prioritizing internal morality over external ritual.
: In discarding mythology for pure logos (rational, scientific thought), modern society has lost a vital tool for dealing with human suffering, leading to a spiritual void. ⏳ The Seven Epochs of Myth A Short History of Myth (Myths series)
Armstrong breaks down the evolution of mythology into several distinct historical periods:
: Without active practice, yoga, or ritual to bring it to life, a myth remains abstract and fails to impact the human condition. : It was never meant to be a
Canongate Books launched this series to have contemporary writers rewrite ancient myths for a modern audience. Armstrong's book acted as the foundational guide to show why these stories still matter. Other famous contributions to the series include: by Margaret Atwood Weight by Jeanette Winterson The Helmet of Horror by Victor Pelevin
: Focused on the sacredness of the animal killed and the abyss of the hunt. ⏳ The Seven Epochs of Myth Armstrong breaks
Armstrong argues that the history of myth is essentially the history of humanity. She asserts that: