The Masks of God 3 - Occidental Mythology

The book Occidental Mythology was originally published in 1964 as the third volume of the monumental four-part series The Masks of God. Just like the new editions of the previous volumes, Primitive Mythology and Oriental Mythology, this book also incorporates up-to-date findings from archaeology, anthropology, and psychology. In this volume, the author traces the mythological foundations of Western religions and the transformation that occurred during the transition from mythologies focused on the feminine principle to patriarchal religious systems. He shows how the once-central position of the fertile Earth goddess – mother and giver of life – was gradually replaced by cults of male deities associated with power, war, and law. The author examines the mythological roots of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Zoroastrianism and traces their mutual influence throughout history.