Our most popular fairy tales and nursery rhymes are based on ancient myths about the sun, the moon, solar and lunar eclipses, and summer and winter solstices. These myths span the globe and are thousands of years old, even dating to the late Ice Age and before. Why does Little Red Riding Hood wear red? What does eating an apple stand for in "Snow White"? Solstices and eclipses hold the answers to thse questions and more.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
Numerology, etymology, astrology, and other symbol systems are marshaled to show the connection between traditional rhymes or fairy tales and ancient, universal myths about the sun and moon. Kane includes such stories and rhymes as "Snow White," "Rumpelstiltskin," "Jack Be Nimble," "Jack and the Beanstalk," "Three Blind Mice," and "Cinderella." References to items as varied as a shoe, an arm, a spoon, a cup, an open mouth, a lyre, a knife, or a frail old man are all supposed depictions of the crescent moon. Words and phrases like "It is possible," "It is likely," and "probably" bolster circular reasoning and bald assertions. There are no "simple principles" unearthed here, but amid the data is a staggering amount of useful research about folklore and myth. While the book is valuable for its encyclopedic references, take the argument with a grain of salt (also moon-related).
Patricia Lothrop-Green, St. George's School, Newport, RI
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Patricia Lothrop-Green, St. George's School, Newport, RI
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"It is a well-researched piece of work deserving of a place in the popular literature." -- Anthony F. Aveni, Colgate University, author of "Stairways to the Stars"
"It is fresh and insightful" -- Maria Tatar, Harvard University, author of "The Hard Facts of the Brothers Grimm"
As an instructor of children's literature and a former children's librarian, I found . . . [it] a fascinating treatise. It is a journey through the world of children's literature and mythology by way of the moon and stars, a journey worth taking." -- Olga F. Conneen, Director of Library Services, Northampton Community College
"It is fresh and insightful" -- Maria Tatar, Harvard University, author of "The Hard Facts of the Brothers Grimm"
As an instructor of children's literature and a former children's librarian, I found . . . [it] a fascinating treatise. It is a journey through the world of children's literature and mythology by way of the moon and stars, a journey worth taking." -- Olga F. Conneen, Director of Library Services, Northampton Community College
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A rich source of ancient thinking found in fairy tales.,
By A Customer
This review is from: Heavens Unearthed in Nursery Rhymes and Fairy Tales (Hardcover)
Matt Kane has found a missing link between modern thinking and that of an older time, perhaps back 12,000 years and maybe a lot older than that.People have always attempted to find answers to what they do not understand. So what do we do today to probe the mind of ancient man? Well, there's religion, beliefs, traditions and myth. All peoples had these beliefs along with myriads of deities. Much of current belief and practice has it's roots deep in antiquity. The author has discovered another rich source of ancient thinking in fairy tales. The reason this book is so exciting is because it represents original thinking. Matt reveals that many fairy tales and nursery rhymes have their basis in ancient beliefs related to myths concerning the sun, moon and planets. Particularly important are solar and luner eclipses. Heavens Unearthed has opened up a channel of understanding heretofore unrealized!
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