I am noting his use of epiteths because there is all too much conflating going on when people talk about Greek mythology. There is an assumption that Zeus is Zeus and Apollon is Apollon. Burkert makes the distinctions explicit.
That's refreshing, to say the least.
As I said, I find it hard to evaluate the book properly, but it was assigned as the main course text when I took Ancient Greek and Roman Religion at University some five or so years ago. He has a very historical approach, which I like; but compared to newer approaches to religion, there is little focus on sociology and feminism. Then, again, that is part of the reason why I like it.
Nice. I'll ask my professors about it. Danke.
"We feel safe when we read what we recognise, what does not challenge our way of thinking.... a steady acceptance of pre-arranged patterns leads to the inability to question what we are told."
~Camilla
Ghavrel is Ghavrel is Ghavrel
*MySmiley*
~Camilla
Ghavrel is Ghavrel is Ghavrel
*MySmiley*
/Non-fiction: Greek Religion by Walter Burkert
- 15/09/2009 05:50:14 PM
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"He solves the problem of designation by assigning them epithets" - not unlike the ancients, then 
- 15/09/2009 06:29:57 PM
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- 15/09/2009 06:29:57 PM
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Re: - not unlike the ancients, then -- no, but unlike a lot of moderns
- 15/09/2009 06:35:50 PM
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-- no, but unlike a lot of moderns
- 15/09/2009 06:35:50 PM
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I'll check it out, then.
- 15/09/2009 06:46:30 PM
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