Creanga De Aur James Frazer Pdf 25
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Creanga de aur: The Golden Bough by James George Frazer
Creanga de aur (The Golden Bough) is a monumental work of comparative mythology and religion by the Scottish anthropologist James George Frazer (1854-1941). It was first published in two volumes in 1890, and then expanded to twelve volumes in the third edition (1906-1915). The work explores the origins and development of magic, religion, and mythology among various cultures of the world, from ancient times to modernity. Frazer's main thesis is that human societies have evolved from a primitive stage of magic, through a transitional stage of religion, to a final stage of science.
The title of the work refers to a branch of a sacred tree that was guarded by a priest-king in the ancient city of Nemi, near Rome. According to legend, anyone who could pluck this branch would become the new king, after killing the old one. Frazer uses this myth as a starting point to trace the similarities and differences between various rituals and beliefs related to kingship, fertility, death, and resurrection across different cultures. He also examines the role of myths as symbolic expressions of natural phenomena and human emotions.
Creanga de aur is widely regarded as a classic of anthropology and literature, influencing many writers and thinkers such as T.S. Eliot, Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, and J.R.R. Tolkien. It is also one of the most controversial works of its time, challenging the authority of Christianity and other established religions, as well as the assumptions of Western civilization. Some critics have accused Frazer of being ethnocentric, reductionist, and outdated in his methods and conclusions. Others have praised him for his erudition, imagination, and style.
In Romania, Creanga de aur was translated by Octavian Nistor and published by Editura Minerva in four volumes between 1980 and 1981. The translation includes notes by Gabriela Duda that provide additional information and context for the Romanian readers. The translation is based on the third edition of The Golden Bough, which contains more than 25 chapters and covers topics such as taboo, totemism, sacrifice, magic, witchcraft, animism, polytheism, monotheism, Christianity, mythology, folklore, festivals, customs, rites of passage, and more.
Creanga de aur is a fascinating and rich source of knowledge for anyone interested in the history and diversity of human culture. It is also a captivating and inspiring read for anyone who enjoys stories and myths from around the world.
One of the most famous and influential chapters of Creanga de aur is the one titled \"The Dying God\", where Frazer discusses the myth of the dying and resurrecting god-man, who represents the cycle of nature and the hope of eternal life. Frazer identifies several examples of this myth from different cultures, such as Osiris in Egypt, Tammuz in Mesopotamia, Adonis in Syria, Attis in Phrygia, Dionysus in Greece, and Balder in Scandinavia. He also suggests that Jesus Christ is another instance of this archetype, and that Christianity borrowed many elements from the pagan religions that preceded it.
This chapter provoked a lot of controversy and criticism from Christian apologists and scholars, who accused Frazer of misinterpreting the sources, ignoring the historical evidence, and undermining the uniqueness and truth of Christianity. Frazer defended his position by arguing that he was not trying to deny the historical existence or moral value of Jesus, but rather to show the common origin and universal appeal of the myth of the dying god. He also claimed that he was not hostile to Christianity, but rather sympathetic to its spiritual message.
Despite the controversy, this chapter also inspired many creative works that explored the theme of death and rebirth in various ways. For example, T.S. Eliot's poem The Waste Land (1922) contains several references and quotations from The Golden Bough, especially from the chapter on \"The Dying God\". Eliot uses these references to create a contrast between the ancient fertility rituals and the modern spiritual barrenness. He also expresses a hope for a new resurrection through the image of the Fisher King, who is wounded and impotent until he is healed by a questing knight.
Another example is J.R.R. Tolkien's novel The Lord of the Rings (1954-1955), which contains several parallels and allusions to The Golden Bough, especially from the chapter on \"The Perils of the Soul\". Tolkien uses these parallels to create a sense of wonder and danger in his fantasy world, where the characters have to face various trials and temptations that threaten their souls. He also depicts a conflict between two types of magic: one that is based on domination and corruption, and one that is based on healing and preservation.
Creanga de aur is a work that has stimulated and challenged many minds and hearts over the years. It is a work that invites us to reflect on our own beliefs and values, as well as to appreciate the diversity and beauty of human culture. 061ffe29dd