Re: [tied] More on IE myth

Mr. Caws,

> I see the journey into the
> underworld as aA rite of passage theme which can be traced back to
> prehistoric times, a trial of skill and a place to gain knowledge and
> magic power, which is the realm of the underworld deity(Linked
> variously with serpent, music, sorcery, cattle, horned god etc.)

I agree. I think this can be explained very well by considering folk
tales too. It is said that sometimes this stuff offer more ancient
evidences than artistically elaborated myths.

> I think the warrior god is often at odds with the death god, but
> this does not make him the death god.

I believe that the warrior is obviously linked with death but not for an
a priori statement beyond his function. If he has to slain, he slays,
but the rest is responsibility of other powers.

> He is at war with the serpents
> and giants and monsters, connected with the underworld deity. He is
> sometimes head of the "pantheon", sometimes not.
> As for the dog, dogs are guardian animals. The land of the dead is
> often displayed as actual property of the god of the underworld, and
> the metaphor could be extended to having a dog to guard the property
> (and the cattle, symbolic of the "wealth" of the death god).

Are you thinking about a connection between Underworld powers and
wealthies?


Omar