Sun NASA/SOHO [1997] (Public Domain Image)

Sun Lore of All Ages

by William Tyler Olcott

[1914]

Contents Start Reading Page Index Text [Zipped]

This is a review of the literature of Sun lore. While for the most part factually correct, this is not an academic study. Olcott is light on the citations, and it apparent that he didn't use primary sources for the vast majority of the myths. But by far the biggest problem here is the reliance on the 19th century 'solar mythology' theorists, in which every myth and scrap of folklore was interpreted as some symbolic aspect of the sun, the solar year, the water cycle, and any other conceivable sun-related phenomenon. That said, this is one of those books that makes fascinating reading, whether you read it end-to-end or are just browsing.

Title Page
Introduction
Contents
Chapter I. Solar Creation Myths
Chapter II. Ancient Ideas of the Sun and the Moon
Chapter III. Solar Mythology
Chapter IV. Solar Mythology (Continued)
Chapter V. Solar Folk-Lore
Chapter VI. Sun Worship
Chapter VII. Sun Worship (Continued)
Chapter VIII. Sun-Catcher Myths
Chapter IX. Solar Festivals
Chapter X. Solar Omens, Traditions, and Superstitions
Chapter XI. Solar Significance of Burial Customs. Orientation
Chapter XII. Emblematic and Symbolic Forms of the Sun