Roles of the Northern Goddess - Softcover

Davidson, Dr Hilda Ellis

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415136113 ISBN 13: 9780415136112

Publisher: Routledge, 1998

Synopsis

While much work has been done on goddesses of the ancient world and the male gods of pre-Christian Scandinavia, the northern goddesses have been largely neglected. Roles of the Northern Goddess presents a highly readable study of the worship of these goddesses by men and women. With its use of evidence from early literature, popular tradition, legend and archaeology, this book investigates the role of the early hunting goddess and the local goddesses who were involved in all aspects of the household and the farm. What emerges is that the goddess was both benevolent and destructive, a powerful figure closely concerned with birth and death and with destiny of individuals.

About this title

Review:

"Dr. Davidson's welcome latest book is attracting a broader readership... This is a book whose marketing and potential use, because of its crossover potential between academia and postmodern neo-paganism, might possibly be of greatest interest from a social-anthropological point of view, since its content seems to have been carefully selected with that bifurcated potential audience in mind. Scandanavian Studies, Volume 71, Issue 3, Fall 1999."

Synopsis:

There is a growing interest in the concept of the goddess. This book presents much-needed information on the role of women in religious studies, folklore and mythology. By investigating women's special skills related to goddess cults together with legends and popular traditions, the author explores the importance of the goddess as a subject for study today. The chapters cover: Mistress of Animals Mistress of the Grain Mistress of Distaff and Loom Mistress of the Home Mistress of the Dead Mistress of Sovereignty Roles of the Northern Goddess will appeal to students and lecturers in comparative religion, mythology, folklore and anthropology.

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0415136113
• ISBN 13: 9780415136112
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 220