The Hero's Quest and the Cycles of Nature : An Ecological Interpretation of World Mythology

This examination of the heroic journey in world mythology casts the protagonist as a personification of nature-a ""botanical hero"" one might say-who begins the quest in a metaphorical seed-like state, then sprouting into a period of verdant strength. But the hero must face a mythic underworld where he or she contends with mortality and sacrifice-embracing death as a part of life. For centuries, humans have sought superiority over nature. Yet the botanical hero finds nothing is lost by recognizing that one is merely a part of nature. Instead, a cyclical promise of continuous life is realized, in which no element fully disappears, and the hero's message is not to dwell on death. This examination of the heroic journey in world mythology casts the protagonist as a personification of nature--a "botanical hero" one might say--who begins the quest in a metaphorical seed-like state, then sprouts into a period of verdant strength. But the hero must face a mythic underworld where he or she contends with mortality and sacrifice--embracing death as a part of life. For centuries, humans have sought superiority over nature, yet the botanical hero finds nothing is lost by recognizing that one is merely a part of nature. Instead, a cyclical promise of continuous life is realized, in which no element fully disappears, and the hero's message is not to dwell on death. This examination of the heroic journey in world mythology casts the protagonist as a personification of nature - a "botanical hero" one might say - who begins the quest in a metaphorical seed-like state, then sprouting into a period of verdant strength. But the hero must face a mythic underworld where he or she contends with mortality and sacrifice-embracing death as a part of life. "This examination of the heroic journey in world mythology casts the protagonist as a personification of nature--a "botanical hero"--Who begins the quest in a metaphorical seed-like state, sprouting into strength to face a mythic underworld. A cyclical promise of continuous life is realized, in which no element fully disappears"-- Provided by publisher "This examination of the heroic journey in world mythology casts the protagonist as a personification of nature--a "botanical hero"--Who begins the quest in a metaphorical seed-like state, sprouting into strength to face a mythic underworld. A cyclical promise of continuous life is realized, in which no element fully disappears"-- Résumé de l'éditeur Cover Table of Contents Preface Introduction 1. From Seeds and Sprouts to Branching Out 2. Caves and the Underworld 3. Death and Sacrifice 4. Natural Apotheosis and the Resurrection of the Botanical Hero Conclusion Chapter Notes Bibliography Index