Serpent Myths

Serpent Myths explores the pervasive and often contradictory symbolism of snakes across cultures, religions, and historical periods. Examining the serpent as a powerful archetype, the book reveals its dualistic nature, representing both wisdom and danger. Did you know that in some cultures, the serpent embodies healing and transformation? Or that its presence in religious texts like the Judeo-Christian Genesis story and Hindu Nagas highlights fundamental human anxieties and aspirations? The book approaches this complex topic through comparative religion, mythology, and cultural anthropology, analyzing serpent symbolism in religious texts, mythology, and storytelling. It contrasts the serpent as a benevolent guardian, such as Quetzalcoatl in Mesoamerica, with its image as a monstrous adversary, like the serpent slain by Thor in Norse mythology. By investigating folklore, literature, and modern media, the book uncovers the psychological impact of these representations and their enduring relevance in contemporary society. The study systematically unfolds, starting with foundational concepts and etymological analyses of early depictions. It progresses through major sections analyzing serpents in religious texts, mythology, and storytelling, culminating in an analysis of the enduring relevance of serpent symbolism in contemporary society. This makes Serpent Myths a valuable resource for students and general readers interested in understanding the profound impact of symbols on human understanding and cultural narratives.