Introduction to Mythology

British Ethnologist and Follower of the Evolutionary Theories of Charles Darwin

Became First Professor of Anthropology at Oxford University (1896) And Was Knighted (1912)

Studied the Native American Tribes of Mexico

Primarily Focused on the Religious Customs of the Various Tribes both Ancient and Modern

Used the Term "Animism" to Describe Belief that All Things, Animate and Inanimate, Possess Living Souls

Believed that "Animism" Was the First Phase in the Development of All Religions

Myths Were Created to Explain Natural Phenomena But Are Rooted in Fear and Ignorance

Basic Capabilities of Human Mind Were the Same Throughout the World, Regardless of a Given Society’s Stage in Social Evolution

Developed "Theory of Survivals" - Societies Tend to Retain Customs that Have Become Unnecessary as the Society Has Evolved, Even Though The Customs have become Useless "Baggage"

Principal Work:  Primitive Culture (1871) - Greatly Influenced James Frazer