Myth, Ritual And Religion, Vol. 2 (of 2)

"Myth, Ritual And Religion, Vol. 2" by Andrew Lang is an academic exploration of religious beliefs, myths, and rituals among various cultures, particularly focusing on indigenous and "savage" societies, written in the late 19th century. This volume continues Lang's investigation into the complexities of belief systems and religious practices, emphasizing comparisons between different cultures, including the Australians and the Bushmen. The work aims to analyze the underlying structures of myth and how they relate to the rituals found in these societies. The opening of this volume introduces the complexities of the religious beliefs of "savage" races, highlighting the challenges in understanding their spirituality due to the obscurity of their beliefs compared to their vivid mythology. Lang discusses various theories surrounding the development and borrowing of religious ideas, particularly focusing on Australian beliefs, and presents evidence gathered from early explorers and anthropological studies. He addresses the notions of a Supreme Being among these tribal groups, exploring how their religious practices and moral codes reflect a belief system not entirely derived from European influence, thus setting a foundation for further examination of indigenous religions in a global context.