|
Author
|
Comment
|
blisslessly
Registered User
(10/10/04 12:19 pm)
|
mythology and narrative as existentialist endeavours
Hello folks. I've been around here a few times over the past three or four years. I'm 26 yrs old and I'm on the lookout for a PhD program that deals with comparative mythology and the universal need for people to explain the world around them through story-telling. My BA degree is in History of the Near and Middle East, focusing on the emergence of Islam, and my MA degree is in early Islamic art and archaeology, focusing on courtly art. Throughout my studies, the impact of ancient semitic and hellenic mythologies seems to be an underlying force in shaping Middle Eastern identity. I'm really curious about that, but the fields of ancient sacred texts, babylonian, assyrian, akkadian, sumerian, Hebrew, graeco-roman, coptic, byzantine, sassanian, they're all absolutely vast and I have no idea where to begin. On one level, i'm interested in contrasting mythologies arising from polytheism and monotheism respectively. On a different level, i'm interested in analyzing mythologies that deal with icons, the magical aspects of drawings, paintings, scultpures, and how they are akin to Godly powers of creation. I want to understand the human urge to control the environment by attempting to possess it in some sort of way through such paintings, or by tapping into supernatural powers through art. I realize its all a bit confused in my head and I would be very appreciative of some guidance. Maybe someone could recommend a book that relates religion with mythology and folklore. Or any other starting point really. Any ideas?
Sorry for being long-winded. I'm a bit confused myself!
THanks.
|
AlisonPegg
Registered User
(10/11/04 2:29 am)
|
Icons and fairy tales
What a very interesting topic! When I was in Russia recently on a visit, I discovered by chance that when the Orthodox church in Russia was persecuted in Stalinist times, the icon painters turned their skills to illustrating fairy tales. These are the illustrations you see on the "Palekh" boxes and you also find the themes used in jewellery and Christmas ornaments. The colours are the colours of icons, black and gold and scarlet and midnight blue. Very brilliant and absolutely beautiful. It seems too that when people were denied an outlet for their spirituality, they found it somewhere else. The fairytales were able to preserve deep values and beliefs at a time of chaos and persecution.
Best of luck with a fascinating subject,
Alison
|
blisslessly
Registered User
(10/11/04 4:28 am)
|
fairytale paintings as underground
I've always wondered about the multi-layering and hiddenness of meaning found in pictures and narratives. How far can you go in searching for an underlying message, and how much is the artist's intention part of that. It's gratifying to find historically documented examples - the Orthodox icon painters turning to fairy tales under the Stalinist regime!! Thanks for that!
|
redtriskell
Registered User
(10/13/04 10:54 pm)
|
starting points
Well, this may seem obvious, and you've probably read alot already, but what about Joseph Campbell? In the Masks of God series, particularly in Primitive Mythology, he addresses many of the points you mentioned in your post. Especially how early art and ritual developed into the themes of most modern religions. After his discussion of the Cain and Abel story as a comparison between hunting societies and farming cultures, you will never think of it the same way again. He also did a great book on mythic art called "The Mythic Image" that explores religious art, its various functions through the ages, and common themes from religions all over the world. I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for, but it may help to narrow the field. Good luck.
|
blisslessly
Registered User
(10/15/04 12:04 pm)
|
joseph campbell
Yeah, I remember first reading some of his work some years ago, and i think a lot of what he wrote has remained in the background of my mind, and is now rising to the surface again. I must re-read!
|
Lilith
Unregistered User
(10/24/04 10:33 pm)
|
Woman heros in folklore
Hi, I am writing a english paper on Aunt granny Lith written by chris offutt. I need some help with why he uses a female hero instead of a male hero. My instructor wants me to go into depth with this subject and I am having some trouble. Please help!
|
|
