Magical Arrows: The Maori, the Greeks, and the Folklore of the Universe

by Gregory Allen Schrempp

Book Overview

A fascinating and sophisticated exploration of cosmology, Magical Arrows connects the Western philosophical tradition with the cosmological traditions of non-Western societies, particularly those of Polynesia. Using the mythology and philosophy of the Maori of New Zealand as a counterpoint to Western thought, Schrempp finds a philosophical common denominator in the thought of the pre-Socratic philosopher, Zeno of Elea. Schrempp suggests that...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 029913234X
• ISBN13: 9780299132347
• Release Date: May 1992
• Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press
• Length: 238 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

rare combination of different cultures

Schrempp demonstrates his wide knowledge in this book as he grasps both the ancient and the traditional firmly in his theories. It is clear that he has spent time in each culture, learning and analysizing their mythology. Since high level theorizing, however, makes the book unaccessible to the layperson and even difficult at times for those less familiar with either culture. Likewise some of his translations or interpretation may cause discomfort for the experts on either culture. The book is an interesting addition to the field of comparative mythology and should be read by any seriously engaged in either ancient or traditional systems.