Myth and Reality

This book by Eliade looks at the function of myth as expressed through ritual, ceremony, and social rules. He argues that the myths provide templates for religious rituals, initiation ceremonies, magical charms, and social rules. In this way, all myths are myths of origin. Eliade also explores the survivals of mythic thinking in today's world. Eliade explores a number of topics in the book including cosmogony, eschatology, mythic ideas relating to memory and forgetfulness, and more. In general he puts together a compelling view of universal trends in the function of myth. My only real complaint with the topic is that the book seems slightly dated to me-- there have been great developments in our understanding of the mindset of oral cultures since the book was originally written in French. These developments clarify a lot of the points that Eliade seems to grasp at. Hence while I think this book is well worth reading, I would highly recommend reading "Orality and Literacy" by Walter Ong first. All in all, this book will give you a different perspective on mythology and religion than you are likely to get elsewhere. I would recommend it for anyone seeking to understand these subjects and make sense out of life.

Myth and Realty is interesting to read in companion with Campbell's Hero with a Thousand Faces. The role of "myth" in our contemporary societies is not understood, let alone appreciated. Mircea develops ideas that anyone intrigued by the place of myth in modern culture should be looking to find.

Eliade was the most complete and pyramidal mythologist of the last century . This book contains wonderful thoughts and considerations about the myth its undeniable influence in the ancient behavior patterns through the years and still its radiant charm and powerful mistery .

This is a good book for myth, though Eliade's style is a little difficult to get used to. Read it if you're interested in myth and comparative religion.

Another brilliant look at the archaic religious experience by Eliade. See also Eliade, "Myths Dreams and Mysteries." These are companion books.