The Concept of the GoddessSandra Billington, Miranda Jane Aldhouse-Green Bringing together experts from a range of backgrounds, this volume explores the function of goddesses in a cross-section of cultures from around the world, including the Celtic, Roman, Norse, Caucasian and Japanese traditions. The contributors compare the nature of the various cults dominated by a female deity in predominantly patriarchal societies, examining the substance of myths both ancient and modern. What this volume perhaps illustrates most vividly is the wide range of responsibilities undertaken by the goddess-figure. They were not simply allotted the roles perceived as conventionally 'feminine'; female deities were also known to have held sway in war, hunting and questions of sovereignty. The studies benefit from a broad interdisciplinary approach and take a fresh look at the subject. As well as being relevant to those studying archaeology, ancient history, classical studies, anthropology, folklore, mythology, comparative religion and women's studies, it will also appeal to the general reader. With its accessible style, extensive bibliography and innovative approach, The Concept of the Goddess is a highly valuable contribution to study in this field. |
Contents
The concept of the Goddess | 8 |
The Celtic Goddess as healer | 26 |
some notes on | 41 |
Freyja and Frigg | 56 |
some traces of goddessbeliefs | 78 |
Milk and the Northern Goddess | 91 |
Coventinas Well | 107 |
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Common terms and phrases
Æfsati Æsir Allason-Jones ancient animals appears Archaeology aspect associated Badb badhbh belief Bellona Brísingamen Britain Cambridge Carrawburgh Celtic century concept connection context Coventina Cú Chulainn cult culture Davidson death deity demons divine Edda Egor Europe evidence female feminine Figure Flateyjarbók Fortuna Freyja Freyr Frigg Frigg and Freyja Gimbutas goddess Goddess-studies gods Grinsell healing Heimdallr Hilda Hilda Ellis History human hunt hunter ibid inscriptions Ireland Irish legends literature Lokasenna London Lysaght male mara matagi Menefee milk modern Mórrígan mountain myth mythology Neckel and Kühn Nemesis Njörðr Norse Óðinn Óðr origin Ossetic Otherworld pagan references Religion Reykjavík ritual role Roman Roman Britain Rome sacred saga Scandinavia Scandinavian Sequana shape-shifting shrine Sirona Snorri Solheim spring stone story suggested Sulis survival symbol Táin Bó Táin Bó Cuailnge tale temple texts theory tradition trans Vanir Westminster wife witch witchcraft woman women worshipped Yamanokami