Walter Burkert
Walter Burkert was a renowned German scholar of Greek mythology and cult, known for his work in the field of ancient religions. His research often focused on the connections between Greek rituals and myths and their Near Eastern counterparts. Burkert's influential works include 'Homo Necans' and 'Greek Religion', which are considered seminal texts in the study of ancient Greek culture and religion.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Homo Necans
The book explores ancient Greek rituals and myths, arguing that the acts of sacrifice and hunting were not only rooted in practical needs but also deeply embedded in the psychological and religious aspects of Greek society. It delves into how violence and the sacred were intertwined, suggesting that the ritual killing of animals and sometimes humans served as a foundational mechanism for social cohesion and the establishment of order. Through detailed analysis of historical texts and comparison with other cultures, the work presents a compelling view of how violence in ritual contexts was used to negotiate the complex relationship between the mortal and the divine.
The 5517th Greatest Book of All Time
