The Mythology of Supernatural: The Signs and Symbols Behind the Popular TV Show [Paperback]

Nathan Robert Brown (Author)

Book Description

Release date: August 2, 2011

A look into the paranormal legends and lore featured on the hit television show Supernatural.

From angels to demons, supernatural weaponry to Enochian, Heaven to Hell, The Mythology of Supernatural explores the religious roots and the ancient folklore of the otherworldly entities that brothers Sam and Dean Winchester face on the hit television show Supernatural-and that have inhabited the shadows of human imagination across countless cultures and centuries.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is an enjoyable and informative crash course in the mythological elements of a show that's rich with mythology." -Clarissa, TVOvermind

"Mr. Brown's book provides a primer on demons, angels, and the tools used to summon and smite them. Mr. Brown's easygoing narrative style makes the sometimes complex twists, turns, and relationships of myths and legends accessible. [...] an intelligent, interesting, and entertaining read." - Carma Spence, NY Journal of Books

"Fans of Supernatural will love the decoding of some of the show's most talked about and controversial subjects. Nathan Robert Brown puts an end to inaccurate internet rumors and sets the record straight on many aspects of the show."-Elizabeth Crowley, Fresh Fiction

"the perfect read to quench those eager questions you have about the paranormal."-SpadesHighReads.com

"Interspersed with quotes from the characters and anecdotes from the show used to illustrate his points, Brown has created a work that will educate as it entertains, and give fans a Supernatural fix while we wait for the next season to begin." - Karyn Dolan, Keyhole Publishing

About the Author

Nathan Robert Brown is an author and mythologist living in North Texas. His academic and professional works have led him to do extensive research in the areas of world mythology, folklore, urban legends, ancient civilizations, and world religions. He is the author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to World Mythology, The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Paranormal, and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Zombies. Nathan spends much of his free time as a public speaker and pro-bono demonology consultant.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade; Original edition (August 2, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425241378
• ISBN-13: 978-0425241370
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 0.8 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #60,985 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #74 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Television > Shows
  • #83 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Folklore & Mythology

More About the Author

Nathan Robert Brown (1977-present) is an Author, Mythologist, and Technical Writer in Texas. He acquired a Master's Degree in English from Midwestern State University in 2009, and received the 2008 Harry Brown Award for an essay that would later become the basis of his first academic monograph publication, 'The Rape of Lilith' (a project he is currently revising and expanding for a more commercial re-release sometime in mid-2012). Nathan has done extensive research in world mythology, folklore, urban legends, ancient civilizations, and world religions, and is an expert on trinities/tripartite systems, common structures, and universal themes in myth, religion, and mysticism. Nathan is also a public speaker and pro-bono demonology consultant.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars SIGNING UP FOR SPN August 21, 2011

By Aerialgirl

Format:Paperback

This one was a grower; I was concerned about the simplicity level to begin with and was worried it was going to rehash The Supernatural Book of Monsters, Spirits, Demons, and Ghouls (which is just terrible)... but I was pleasantly suprised, as it went into some mythology that was quite off the beaten track, and I did learn a few new things. (The history of Lilith is particularly interesting, and I'm now quite keen to track down Robert's book devoted entirely to her.) It's obvious that Brown went from mythologist to fan rather than the other way round, and he does sometimes repeat himself - a more judicious editor could have helped. It's also strictly a book about mythology that doesn't really connect with SPN on a larger canonical or academic level, but it's still vastly superior to some other 'mythology' cheapies.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Insightful and Interesting August 18, 2011

By HilFlock

Format:Paperback

This book was a lot of fun and should be for the mediocre Supernatural fan.
My only complaint is that it wasn't long enough. The author mentioned that he'd would take up more space going into more detail, but that would have been fine with me.

I would like to think the creator and stars of Supernatural would enjoy reading this book.

It also give much credit to the creator/writers of Supernatural. If you believe what this author believes then these creative minds do a much more research than you'd think.

A lot of fun!

Will consider reading more from this author.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars 4 STARS August 21, 2011

By SpadesHighReads

Format:Paperback

Are you a fan or even just enjoy the TV series, Supernatural, the one with those two brothers Sam and Dean?
Have you always wanted to know more about the background of some paranormal folklore?
Ever wondered how salt, holy water, iron and all those other things to ward off evil come to play?
Have you just ever wanted to just know MORE?

The Mythology of Supernatural: The Signs and Symbols Behind the Popular TV show by Nathan Robert Brown is the perfect read to quench those eager questions you have about the paranormal. It doesn't cover the VAST knowledge of everything that is paranormal and folk lore, but it covers the ones that are most intriguing and that have stood out the most from the rest. Mostly covering the ones that have taken part within the TV series "Supernatural."

I really enjoyed this book because I've always enjoyed mythology and the paranormal. Who doesn't!?
I've never been the one to want to be part of anything paranormal, but I have always sought out articles that will feed my ever growing yearning to know more of the sort. This book elaborates as well as gives you common knowledge of the supernatural, while using the TV show "Supernatural" as a base reference. What better way to grab the reader and have a better understanding than to use one of your favorite shows to relate to what your reading.
It's craftily written that you won't ever get bored, but holds such a strong influential effect. Here's an example of what I mean, this is quoting from the book:

"Perhaps we adore heros because they are models for us. They display honor, loyalty, courage, and skills at levels we may never reach but strive for nonetheless--and we are better for it.
...Myths are meant to immortalize their heroic journeys.
For as long as there have been heroes, those half-brave, half-mad souls willing to dash headlong against things that would send most of us screaming in the other direction, there have been stories to immortalize their journeys.
... And in the end, it doesn't matter whether or not any hero was ever, in the historical sense, truly alive. What really matters are the ways in which their myths affect those of us who are."

See what I mean! It gets you thinking! And if that sounded too serious and deep for you that's where your wrong because it does have passages like that strewn within, but then you get parts that'll have you chuckling because of how light hearted it's written. One section was even titled Zachariah: Heaven's "Douche-nozzle" lol I've never heard anyone but myself use that term. =)
The Mythology of Supernatural isn't written as a story but more like a cooler version of an encyclopedia. You get to know more about salt and it's uses to ward off evil, the verses to say to purify water (Latin AND English), the mythology of resurrection, the 9 levels of hell, the 4 horse man, and SO MUCH MORE!!
Very fast pace and is not only limited for the "Supernatural" fans. A great read!