Greek Folk Religion [Paperback]

Martin P. Nilsson (Author), Arthur Darby Nock (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1972

"In the extensive literature relating to ancient Greece, there is no work that serves the purposes of this volume. A Swedish proverb speaks of placing the church in the middle of the village, and that is precisely what Nilsson has here done. Homer and Hesiod formed the basis of the traditional education of the Greeks in general, and the great gods and goddesses as they appear in art show at all times the formative influence of the epic tradition. Nevertheless, the hard core of Greek religion is to be found in its observances: these took their shape among men whose focus was first the hearth and then the city-state, men moreover whose life and livelihood were tied to crops and herds and the annual cycle of nature."—Arthur Darby Nock, from the Foreword

Martin Nilsson writes about the popular religious observances of the Greeks, as practiced both earlier in the twentieth century and in classical times, the agricultural festivals and customs, the rituals of family and society. The folk religions of Greece that underlay and continually erupted into the more "elevated" Olympian mythology of Homer and Hesiod are explained in detail by a scholar with unparalleled understanding of the rites and customs of rural life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The presentation is exceptionally vivid."—Journal of Religion

"Long recognized as one of the truly great interpreters of Greek religion, Professor Nilsson has, in this volume, made a real and lasting contribution."—Morton Scott Enslin

About the Author

Martin P. Nilsson was the author of several books, including History of Greek Religion and The Dionysiac Mysteries of the Hellenistic and Roman Age.

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press (January 1, 1972)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812210344
• ISBN-13: 978-0812210347
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #382,914 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good contrast to city religion, August 15, 2004

By 

Gitana Gerondas "Gitana Gerondas" (Santa Fe, NM) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Greek Folk Religion (Paperback)

I found this book to be a good contrast to the usual subject of the city religions, which mostly focus on Athens. This is highly recommended to anyone who seriously wants to get a well-rounded understanding of the 'Greek religious experience.' The only thing that I did not like about the book was the lack of extensive footnotes, such as W. Burkert likes to use.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rites of Demeter Demystified, May 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Greek Folk Religion (Paperback)

I enjoyed Nilssons in depth discussion of the Eleusian Mysteries. He takes into account the climatic conditions specific to the Mediterranean. For example, Kore is relegated to the underworld during that time of year which is most unforgiving to human existence, in this case the months of July, August and September when the rains have ceased. This is altogether an excellent reference book. Nilsson himself having grown up in a rural setting is very familiar with folkways. An interesting read.