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When They Severed Earth from Sky: How the Human Mind Shapes Myth Paperback – September 25, 2006

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 58 ratings
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Why were Prometheus and Loki envisioned as chained to rocks? What was the Golden Calf? Why are mirrors believed to carry bad luck? How could anyone think that mortals like Perseus, Beowulf, and St. George actually fought dragons, since dragons don't exist? Strange though they sound, however, these "myths" did not begin as fiction.


This absorbing book shows that myths originally transmitted real information about real events and observations, preserving the information sometimes for millennia within nonliterate societies. Geologists' interpretations of how a volcanic cataclysm long ago created Oregon's Crater Lake, for example, is echoed point for point in the local myth of its origin. The Klamath tribe saw it happen and passed down the story--for nearly 8,000 years.


We, however, have been literate so long that we've forgotten how myths encode reality. Recent studies of how our brains work, applied to a wide range of data from the Pacific Northwest to ancient Egypt to modern stories reported in newspapers, have helped the Barbers deduce the characteristic principles by which such tales both develop and degrade through time. Myth is in fact a quite reasonable way to convey important messages orally over many generations--although reasoning back to the original events is possible only under rather specific conditions.


Our oldest written records date to 5,200 years ago, but we have been speaking and mythmaking for perhaps 100,000. This groundbreaking book points the way to restoring some of that lost history and teaching us about human storytelling.

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Previous page
  1. Print length
    312 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Princeton University Press
  4. Publication date
    September 25, 2006
  5. Dimensions
    6.14 x 0.71 x 9.21 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0691127743
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0691127743
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"The authors provide not only a compelling and highly readable collection of mythic interpretations but also a framework through which to decode those stories and uncover seismic, geological, astrological, or other natural events that preceded written history. . . . When They Severed Earth from Sky provides an intellectually challenging and parsimonious new framework. It not only sheds light on the planet's natural history but also offers alluring insights about human cognition."---Abigail A. Baird, Science

"In their highly engaging, thoroughly researched analysis of the meaning of myths, When They Severed Earth from Sky, [the authors] build a strong case that historical facts can be extracted from the mists of our mythic past. . . . I think the Barbers are on to something here. Any student of myths ignores this important work at his or her peril."---Michael Shermer, American Scientist

"The Barbers take us back some 100,000 years to the beginning of storytelling. . . . When They Severed Earth from Sky is timely and engaging." ― Books in Canada

Review

"A fascinating read. This book points the way to how truths can be found even in myths."―Michael S. Gazzaniga, author of The Mind's Past

"A fascinating read. This book points the way to how truths can be found even in myths."―Michael S. Gazzaniga, author of The Mind's Past

"Rarely have I read a book so avidly and with such pleasure. The Barbers have captured the vital signs of the mythmaking process, in a revolutionary study. This is a novel and convincing way to look at mythology."―Adrienne Mayor, author of The First Fossil Hunters: Paleontology in Greek and Roman Times

"I read this idiosyncratic and engaging work in its entirety in just two sittings, finding it nearly impossible to put down. The Barbers give intriguing explanations of how and why we construct and transmit myths and how we may unpack these 'off-the-wal'' stories to reveal essential information about such natural phenomena as volcanic eruptions."―Joshua T. Katz, Princeton University

"This book offers a comprehensive account of why myths are the way they are. Drawing in part on cognitive science and on historical evidence as to real events, it presents a broad and informative selection of the myths themselves, raising questions and suggesting answers that cognitive scientists will find interesting."―Michael C. Corballis, author of From Hand to Mouth

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Princeton University Press (September 25, 2006)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 312 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0691127743
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0691127743
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.14 x 0.71 x 9.21 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 58 ratings

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Elizabeth Wayland Barber

Elizabeth Wayland Barber

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
58 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

T.A.L.
5.0 out of 5 stars Archaeology, mythology, and narrative discussed in light of cognition
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2009
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Barber and Barber, in this fascinating theoretical analysis of myth, cogently argue that there are kernels of truth at the heart of many of the mythical narratives that are often dismissed without critical reflection. With great balance, the authors lay out the cognitive principles that have constrained the myth-making process in all human culture while at the same time giving arresting examples from cultures around the world and from antiquity. The examples are most heavily drawn from ancient Greek and Egyptian sources but there is also a good helping of Native American, Hawaiian, Mesopotamian, Caucasian, and early English myths.

The core thrust of the theoretical analysis is stated in the authors' "myth principles." While there are many "sub-principles" that are elaborated upon in depth, I will just list the main ones I found to be central:

1. Memory Crunch
2. Silence Principle
3. Socialization Antidote
4. Rationalization Syndrome
5. Analogy Principle
6. Willfulness Principle
7. Multiple-Aspects Principle
8. Compressive/ Conflationary Principles
9. Principle of Metaphoric Reality
10. Principle of Attraction
11. Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc
12. Restructuring Principle
13. Vividness Principle

(Note--this is not how the authors list these principles. I have abridged and somewhat re-ordered their list.)

As my main interest in this subject comes from the area of cognitive science of religion, I was naturally drawn to the "Willfulness Principle" in that this deals with how the concept of agency is utilized by human beings in their construction of gods and supernatural explanations. The principle, simply defined is this: a force or an event observed is often assumed to having been done by "somebody" (scientific explanations in antiquity being undeveloped) so when an event--such a volcanic eruption is witnessed--the principles of myth-making are not satisfied unless there is a "who" named.

Indeed, stories without agents are not as engaging to human beings. The Barbers weave this principle (along with of course the other elements of their rich framework) to explicate many of the myths that still are with us today. While I won't name the details, their explanations for the parallels seen in flood-myths is the most satisfying that I have ever read. Reading that section in the book induced one of those "Ahah!" moments. Their treatment of the Promethean legend was also extraordinarily thought-provoking and convincing. The last chapter concerning dragon myths was equally absorbing and original (although I found it to be the least convincing argument in the book).

The only possible weakness that I found in the book is its somewhat superficial treatment of the cognitive sciences. While this may be a plus for the general reader unaccustomed to the field, I would have liked to see a much more in-depth treatment.

Overall, the book is a must read for anyone interested in mythology and religion. Even if you are not interested in the cognitive aspects, there are enough novel insights from narrative theory, archaeology, and mythology to provide an absorbing read.
11 people found this helpful
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J. Nelson
5.0 out of 5 stars A wide-ranging exploration of myth development
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2005
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I remember years ago reading an article about excavations at Mycenae uncovering a multitude of dams trying to keep flooding under control. Apparently after one dam was built, the water came through in two other places. When those were dammed, more flooding started elsewhere, resulting in more dams, etc. The author of the article pointed out that the Greek word for water was Hydra -- the same as the multi-headed monster that sprang two new heads for each one Herakles chopped off in the ancient story.

This book examines the same phenomenon across diverse cultures and time periods. Peeling back layers of time and distance, the authors search for, and reveal, the kernels of truth behind the legends. And what a wonderful journey they share! Full of asides (frustratingly tossed away without comment at times) and journeys that turn back upon themselves, this is a book you will savor and linger over.

Many of the thoughts will cause you to turn back pages to reconnect the dots yourself as they walk you through the processes of their evaulation. This will enjoy a fond place on your bookshelf among the favorites you treasure.

Incidentally, Ms. Barber's other works ("Women's Work" and "The Mummies of Urumchi") both share the same chatty style and interesting asides. Check them out. You'll see what I mean.
16 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Is "Cute" Really Necessary?
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2008
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This is a fascinating and irritating book which explores the etiology, or rather the historiography of the etiology of folklore to support the authors' thesis that myth contains kernels of real information about past events which may be discovered through a meticulous examination of its particular components. The creation of myth also serves as an exterior engramic counterweight to the inability of pre-literate cultures to remember events beyond the normal unaided human mental capacity.

The authors lay down an extensive list of their breezily formulated rules for interpretation, such as "The Methuselah Effect," "Centaur Syndrome," "Baby-With-the-Bathwater Reflex," "Goldilocks Principle" in a pseudo-serious fashion, then give reinforcing examples and their interpretations in quite a straight forward manner. The full Index of Myth Principles may be found on pages 245-51 preceding the excellent Bibliography. Altogether, I was very much reminded of the classes I took in law school for the rules and means of interpreting evidence, the combination of a regulated and normative artificiality and ordinary common sense elevated to a non-common standard of rigour. Despite my objections to the style of the authors' formulations, the substance of the book is substantial and fascinating, giving the interpretation of folklore a depth I have not found in other approaches to the subject.
13 people found this helpful
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Kate Blacksmith
5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary Insight
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2022
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What do myths mean? What do they say about the past? To get specific, how are Loki and Prometheus related? What do these and other myths do for humans? This wonderful book explores and elucidates the meaning and function of myths. A wonderful read!
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John Bishop
3.0 out of 5 stars Too many words, not enough ideas
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2022
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I was hoping for a deeper look at how events can become myth and how rules learned by trial and error become mythologically-supported taboos. In short, I was hoping for something like Marvin Harris's "Pigs, Cows, Witches and Wars".

Instead the author postulates some basic features of human cognition which don't sound very basic and spends a lot of words to say "rule 1 means a volcano winds up as a fire".

There are basic rules/characteristics of human cognition, like dividing things into binary categories, using analogies, or thinking that every part of the world is structured like human families in the current culture.

I was disappointed.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

M Clark
5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating look at the natural roots of myths
Reviewed in Germany on April 12, 2021
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This book provides a methodology for interpreting myths in order to determine the natural historical roots of the myth. Doing so, the authors demonstrate how many myths actually provide a record of what happened thousands of years ago long before there were any written records.

The book begins with the analysis of a story told by American Indians tracing the roots of the story back to a major volcanic eruption. The book then goes on to discuss numerous myths from cultures all over the world including discussions of fire-breathing, treasure-hording dragons, vampires, Prometheus, Noah's flood, and dwarves that forge iron. The book is fascinating and wonderfully readable. It also leaves you with a new way of looking at history and literature.
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Nancy I. Pease
5.0 out of 5 stars When They Severed Earth from Sky
Reviewed in Canada on May 11, 2013
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Having read Dr. Barber's textile history, Woman's Work The First 20, 000 Years, I looked forward to reading this collaboration with her husband. I was not disappointed.
True, I am hopelessly interested in the " WHY" of everything. These academics used computer software to calculate the position of a number of heavenly bodies at different periods in antiquity. The premise was to interpret known native myths with a transfer of important cultural information through generations. Writing now, years after reading this book, I would love to read the updated sequel....which could include new information and more powerful computer programs.
Perhaps I should buy a second copy as the original copy has been lent out to friends so frequently that it is now lost!
Happy is he [ she] who knows the meaning of things.[ ancient Latin motto]
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Larcho
5.0 out of 5 stars When They Severed Earth from Sky
Reviewed in Japan on February 17, 2014
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Again a marvelous suprise from the Authoress.
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aiya
1.0 out of 5 stars bitty, uninspired and far from compelling
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 8, 2011
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I bought the book after reading the two glowing reviews, and I put the book down after skimming it, hoping I can return it to the seller. In her account, the author has missed the transpersonal and psychological nature of myths altogether and offer interpretations of her own that are at times ludicrous. Being a textile historian, she is used to reconstructing a complete piece of weft and warp from fragments in two dimensions. Myths however, operate in 4 dimensions. This provides an interesting analogy as to how far off the mark the information is.
3 people found this helpful
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