Karl Kerényi Books

Dionysos is deeply embedded in the cultural and natural landscape of Greece and Italy, representing the essence of life through myth and ritual. Carl Kerényi, a prominent mythologist, explores the evolution of Dionysian religion from its Minoan origins to its transformation into a universal faith during late antiquity under Roman influence. Drawing from extensive Greek literary and archaeological sources, he illustrates the rich tapestry of Dionysian worship, emphasizing the foundational role of myth in understanding this ancient tradition.

Exploring the myth of Prometheus, this work delves into the themes of suffering and transformation, illustrating how the tale reflects profound truths about human existence. Carl Kerényi traces the evolution of the myth from ancient Greek sources like Hesiod and Aeschylus to its reinterpretation in Romantic poetry by figures such as Goethe and Shelley. Additionally, the analysis incorporates Jungian psychology, presenting Prometheus as an archetype of human daring and the journey from pain to sacrifice, highlighting its lasting impact on Western thought.

Drawing on a wealth of sources, from Hesiod to Pausanias and from the Orphic Hymns to Proclus, Professor Kerényi provides a clear and scholarly exposition of all the most important Greek myths. After a brief introduction, the complex genealogies of the gods lead him from the begettings of the Titans and from Aphrodite under all her titles and aspects, to Apollo, Hermes and the reign of Zeus, touching upon the Affairs of Pan, nymphs, satyrs, cosmogonies and the birth of mankind, until he reaches the ineffable mystery of Dionysos. The lively and highly readable narrative is complemented by an appendix of detailed references to all the original texts and a fine selection of illustrations taken from vase paintings. 26 black-and-white illustrations

Records the histories of ancient warriors and demi-gods depicted in classical mythology and art treasures

Science of Mythology provides an account of the meaning and the purpose of mythic themes that is linked to modern life: the heroic battles between good and evil of yore are still played out, reflected in contemporary fears. schovat popis

A deeper, richer portrait of Oedipus, the most famous figure in all of Greek tragedy and the (unconscious?!) hero of the basic myth of psychoanalysis by two giants in the fields of mythology and psychology: the eminent mythographer Karl Kerényi and the founder of archetypal psychology, James Hillman. Kerényi widens the Oedipus myth's cultural context by introducing unusual dramatic versions that played in Rome, Paris, Vienna, and London. His authoritative and detailed essays release wonderful insights for even the most casual reader. Hillman takes on Father Freud and his Oedipus complex (i.e., every son wants to kill his father and marry his mother). He inverts the emphasis and asks, Why do fathers kill their sons? Hillman brilliantly proposes that the madness of Oedipus may lie less in his overt crimes than in his-and therapy's-single-minded focus upon "figuring out" one's true identity through a remembering of the past. This relentless search for Oedipus to "know himself" is still with us, still blinds us, still tries to turn people in therapy into Oedipus. Yet Hillman also shows us that, in addition to the curse, murder, incest, and disease, the myth of Oedipus contains beauty, blessing, love, and loyalty.

Focusing on Hermes, traditionally known as the messenger of the gods, this study of Greek mythology and religion offers new interpretations of his character. The first section of the book is dedicated to examining Hermes’s role in classic Greek works—the Iliad , the Odyssey , and ancient hymns—beyond that of the messenger god to that of a guide, helping to uncover new pathways and hidden meanings. The second half of the book deals with Hermes’s relationship with life and death, viewing the former as something that stems from the darkness of the latter. Written in Karl Kerényi’s known analytical style, this volume sheds light on some of the mysteries of the ancient world. Enfocándose sobre Hermes, conocido tradicionalmente como el mensajero de los dioses, este estudio de la mitología y la religión griega ofrece nuevas interpretaciones de su carácter. La primera parte del libro se dedica a examinar el papel de Hermes en las obras griegas clásicas—la Iliada , la Odisea y los Himnos— más allá del dios mensajero al papel de un guía que permite descubrir nuevos caminos y símbolos no percibidos. La segunda mitad del libro trata sobre la relación entre Hermes y la vida y la muerte, mirando a la primera como algo que surge de la oscuridad de la última. Escrito en el estilo analítico conocido de Karl Kerényi, este volumen arroja luz sobre algunos de los misterios del mundo antiguo.

Die Götter, Göttinnen und Heroen des griechischen, römischen und germanischen Pantheons sind immer noch allgegenwärtig in der europäischen Kultur: Wir sehen sie auf Gemälden, antiken Vasen und lesen Anspielungen in literarischen Werken. Doch kaum jemand kennt mehr die genauen Hintergründe. Peterich und Grimal stellen sie einzeln dar und skizzieren Parallelen und Unterschiede zwischen Griechen, Römern und Germanen.

»Es ist ein wahrer Schatz, überquellend von Geschichten, die hier von einem Kenner, wie es nicht leicht einen zweiten gibt, in aller Genauigkeit, in allen ihren Varianten dargeboten werden.« Thomas Mann