The Return of the Dead
Ghosts, Ancestors, and the Transparent Veil of the Pagan Mind
$60.25
- Paperback
272 pages
- Release Date
24 July 2009
Summary
The impermeable border the modern world sees existing between the world of the living and the afterlife was not visible to our ancestors. The dead could—and did—cross back and forth at will. The pagan mind had no fear of death, but some of the dead were definitely to be dreaded: those who failed to go peacefully into the afterlife but remained on this side in order to right a wrong that had befallen them personally or to ensure that the law promoted by the ancestors was being respected. But t…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781594773181 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 1594773181 |
| Author: | Claude Lecouteux |
| Publisher: | Inner Traditions Bear and Company |
| Imprint: | Inner Traditions Bear and Company |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 272 |
| Release Date: | 24 July 2009 |
| Weight: | 454g |
| Dimensions: | 23mm x 153mm x 229mm |
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Critics Review
“I’ve read all kinds of ghostly folklore type books. However, this book discusses revenants and ghosts from a whole new perspective, through the lens of medieval literature… . The Return of the Dead focuses, equally, on the steps the church took to eliminate Pagan beliefs and how the citizens adapted to the church’s influence. I find the evolution of religions fascinating, making this my favorite thing about the book.” * The Magical Buffet, Sept 2009 *
”[Lecouteux’s] conclusions … are stimulating and thought provoking… . I had no difficulty following his reasoning nor in accepting his conclusions. The book is well written, easily understood by even the average layman, and an invaluable addition to understanding the mindset of our European Pagan ancestors.” * Michael Gleason, reviewer, Aug 2009 *
” … [Lecouteux’s] expertise lends to a powerful survey.” * The Midwest Book Review, Oct 2009 *
” … a scholarly survey of pre-Christian beliefs, focusing in particular on legends of revenants in Germanic and Scandinavian folklore… . highly recommended to those interested in thanatology.” * Psyche, SpiralNature.com, Oct 2009 *
“It is clear that many of the original pagan beliefs survive to the present day, as do the Christian beliefs. They tend to overlay each other not only in northern Europe, but also in every culture to which northern Europeans migrated. Many parts of this book will resonate for the reader of European descent. For readers from other backgrounds, it will be fascinating insight into why we have such beliefs in this area. I recommend this work to medieval scholars and students, those who wish to trace belief systems and present-day pagans who want real information on their beliefs.” * Jennifer Hopkins, New Dawn Magazine, No. 119, Mar/Apr 2010 *
“The Return of the Dead will change your perceptions and show you an ancient body of tradition and belief than can still be found today within some of our modern practices. Even better, this work will show the reader how to approach death from a polytheistic Pagan perspective and reading The Return of the Dead just may change your funeral plans.” * Sarah, Pagan Bookworm, Nov 09 *
“… a must read for any who like dark tales and great research.” * EarthRites.org, May 2011 *
Claude Lecouteux
Claude Lecouteux (1943–2025) was a former professor of medieval literature and civilization at the Sorbonne and author of numerous books on medieval and pagan afterlife beliefs, including Witches, Werewolves, and Fairies.
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