A New System; or, an Analysis of Antient Mythology. Volume 2 (of 6)

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

19584

Title

A New System; or, an Analysis of Antient Mythology. Volume 2 (of 6)

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume offers a scholarly analysis of ancient mythology, tracing the origins of deities like Zeus and Cadmus through classical texts. It explores linguistic roots, geographical connections between regions like Syria and Greece, and the evolution of religious symbols, providing an erudite look at mythological history.

Summary up to 500 words

This excerpt from 'A New System; Or, An Analysis Of Antient Mythology' serves as a dense scholarly appendix, weaving together geographical, etymological, and mythological threads to explain ancient deities, heroes, and place names. The text argues that many Greek figures are syncretic representations of older Near Eastern or Egyptian gods. For instance, the letter Alpha is interpreted not just as a sound but as a title for leaders, derived from its position as the first letter in the alphabet. Similarly, Europa is equated with Rhea and Astarte, while Cadmus is linked to Assyrian and Babylonian traditions. The narrative extensively explores the identity of Zeus, suggesting he was worshipped under various names including Agamemnon, Orus, Osiris, and Europus. The author posits that Zeus was symbolized by a three-headed serpent, a motif found in Homeric descriptions of heroes like Menelaus. This serpentine imagery connects to the god Ops, Opis, and Opus, all signifying a serpent. Geographically, the text maps these mythological figures across the ancient world. It discusses the locations of Oropus and Elopia in Euboea, Macedonia, and Syria, noting that Cadmus followed an oracle from Tauris (Crimea) which was later termed Assyrian or Babylonian. The author cites diverse authorities including Pausanias, Strabo, Herodotus, Pliny, and Nonnus to support these identifications. Specific attention is given to the Oritae (or Orites), a people found in various regions such as Persis, Epirus, and India, who were associated with mourning for Thamas or Thamuz. The text also delves into etymologies of rivers and cities, such as the Eridanus river appearing in both Liguria and Greece, and the connection between the nymph Cyrene and the city of Cyrene. It references biblical passages like Genesis and Joshua to contextualize ancient migrations and settlements, such as the Hivite colonies. Throughout, the author utilizes a vast array of classical sources—ranging from the Iliad to the works of Eusebius and Lucian—to construct a unified system where Greek mythology is seen as a reflection of broader, older religious truths involving serpents, oracles, and divine kingship.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Mythology