An Introduction to Mythology

"An Introduction to Mythology" by Lewis Spence is a detailed study of the core ideas behind mythology, probably created in the beginning years of the 1900s, that goes into the origins, groups, and importance of myths when related to early religious beliefs and cultures. This writing shows a scientific view of the world of mythology. Spence's goal is to clarify how the study of myth has grown and how it is used today, going over different ideas and giving definitions that make main ideas clearer. The introduction pulls readers into basic parts of mythology, stating how it helps in understanding early religious and scientific experiences had by people. It gives key definitions, separating myths from folklore and legends: myths offer reasons for happenings in the physical world and in society; Spence points out how mythology and folklore mix, showing that myths were early tries to explain the universe reasonably; main changes in how myths are understood and grouped occurred as societies changed over time.