Themis
A Study of the Social Origins of Greek Religion

The revolutionary classical scholar Jane Ellen Harrison pieces together the origins of early Greek religion in this seminal 1927 work.

Jane Ellen Harrison (Author)

9781108009492, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 24 June 2010

604 pages, 159 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 3.4 cm, 0.76 kg

Drawing upon a range of disciplines including anthropology, classical studies, archaeology and psychology, Jane Ellen Harrison's seminal 1912 work Themis pieces together the origins of early Greek religion. Known as one of the founders of modern studies in Greek mythology, Harrison has been described by her biographer, Mary Beard, as 'Britain's first female professional 'career academic'. She is renowned as being one of the most intellectual women of her time, and the ideas espoused on Greek rituals and myths in Themis remain influential today. This revolutionary study traces Themis back through history, as a matriarchal tribal goddess. Addressing areas including magic, sacrifice and the origin of the Olympic games, Harrison applies archaeological discoveries to the interpretation of Greek religion. Including a detailed preface and explanatory notes, this revised second edition of 1927 is described by Harrison as 'addressed not so much to the specialist as to the thinker generally'.

Preface
Introduction
1. The hymn of the Kouretes
2. The dithyramb, the dromenon and the drama
3. The Kouretes, the thunder-rites and mana
4. Magic and tabu
5. Totemism, sacrament and sacrifice
6. The dithyramb, the spring festival and the Hagia Triada sarcophagus
7. The origin of the Olympic Games
8. Daimon and Hero
9. From Daimon to Olympian
10. The Olympians
11. Themis
Index.

Subject Areas: Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA]