The Fairy Mythology

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Customs & Traditions, Folklore & Mythology, Popular Culture
Cover of the book The Fairy Mythology by Thomas Keightley, Thomas Keightley
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Thomas Keightley ISBN: 9786051768182
Publisher: Thomas Keightley Publication: July 9, 2015
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Thomas Keightley
ISBN: 9786051768182
Publisher: Thomas Keightley
Publication: July 9, 2015
Imprint:
Language: English

We find in most countries a popular belief in different classes of beings distinct from men, and from the higher orders of divinities. These beings are usually believed to inhabit, in the caverns of earth, or the depths of the waters, a region of their own. They generally excel mankind in power and in knowledge, and like them are subject to the inevitable laws of death, though after a more prolonged period of existence.
How these classes were first called into existence it is not easy to say; but if, as some assert, all the ancient systems of heathen religion were devised by philosophers for the instruction of rude tribes by appeals to their senses, we might suppose that the minds which peopled the skies with their thousands and tens of thousands of divinities gave birth also to the inhabitants of the field and flood, and that the numerous tales of their exploits and adventures are the production of poetic fiction or rude invention. It may further be observed, that not unfrequently a change of religious faith has invested with dark and malignant attributes beings once the objects of love, confidence, and veneration.
It is not our intention in the following pages to treat of the awful or lovely deities of Olympus, Valhalla, or Merû. Our subject is less aspiring; and we confine ourselves to those beings who are our fellow-inhabitants of earth, whose manners we aim to describe, and whose deeds we propose to record. We write of Fairies, Fays, Elves, aut alio quo nomine gaudent.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

We find in most countries a popular belief in different classes of beings distinct from men, and from the higher orders of divinities. These beings are usually believed to inhabit, in the caverns of earth, or the depths of the waters, a region of their own. They generally excel mankind in power and in knowledge, and like them are subject to the inevitable laws of death, though after a more prolonged period of existence.
How these classes were first called into existence it is not easy to say; but if, as some assert, all the ancient systems of heathen religion were devised by philosophers for the instruction of rude tribes by appeals to their senses, we might suppose that the minds which peopled the skies with their thousands and tens of thousands of divinities gave birth also to the inhabitants of the field and flood, and that the numerous tales of their exploits and adventures are the production of poetic fiction or rude invention. It may further be observed, that not unfrequently a change of religious faith has invested with dark and malignant attributes beings once the objects of love, confidence, and veneration.
It is not our intention in the following pages to treat of the awful or lovely deities of Olympus, Valhalla, or Merû. Our subject is less aspiring; and we confine ourselves to those beings who are our fellow-inhabitants of earth, whose manners we aim to describe, and whose deeds we propose to record. We write of Fairies, Fays, Elves, aut alio quo nomine gaudent.

More books from Popular Culture

Cover of the book American Indians and Popular Culture [2 volumes] by Thomas Keightley
Cover of the book Cultural Conundrums by Thomas Keightley
Cover of the book Latin American Identity in Online Cultural Production by Thomas Keightley
Cover of the book Hollywood's West by Thomas Keightley
Cover of the book Drama Trauma by Thomas Keightley
Cover of the book Colombia - Culture Smart! by Thomas Keightley
Cover of the book African Americans on Television: Race-ing for Ratings by Thomas Keightley
Cover of the book The Death of Archie by Thomas Keightley
Cover of the book The Year’s Work in the Punk Bookshelf, Or, Lusty Scripts by Thomas Keightley
Cover of the book La coscienza e la legge by Thomas Keightley
Cover of the book Big Time Rush: Fun Facts, Stats, Quizzes and Quotes by Thomas Keightley
Cover of the book How Does That Make You Feel? by Thomas Keightley
Cover of the book Books Condemned to be Burnt by Thomas Keightley
Cover of the book Who's Who in Research: Cultural Studies by Thomas Keightley
Cover of the book Entertaining Politics by Thomas Keightley
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy