Martin Puhvel Book order

The exploration of mental processes in Beowulf reveals the motivations behind characters' actions and attitudes, emphasizing Beowulf's intense quest for heroic glory. By examining the driving forces that shape their decisions, the book delves into the psychological aspects of this classic epic poem, offering insights into the characters' complexities and the themes of heroism and ambition.

This book presents a wide, illustrative, and representative selection of superstitions, traditions, customs, and stories associated with the ageless, worldwide beliefs about the magic or sacred qualities of the crossroads and about the supernatural beings associated with these places. The consideration and analysis of this material lead to the discovery of basic patterns of thought and fantasy that shed light on the roots of these beliefs, whose reflections in literature are also considered.