A Short History of Myth – Karen Armstrong – Canongate Books (2005)

What the Book Explores

In A Short History of Myth, Karen Armstrong provides a comprehensive overview of how human beings have used myth to navigate the complexities of existence from the Paleolithic period to the modern era. The work is structured chronologically, tracing the evolution of mythological thinking as it adapted to changing social, technological, and economic landscapes.

The central thesis of the work posits that myth is not a primitive attempt at science or a collection of false stories, but rather a sophisticated psychological and social tool. Armstrong argues that myth was never intended to be taken literally as a historical record; instead, it served as a guide for internal transformation and a means of accessing the “sacred”—a dimension of reality that provides life with meaning and purpose. The book explores how myths provided a framework for understanding death, suffering, and the human relationship with the natural world.

The Chronological Stages of Myth

The Paleolithic Period (c. 20,000 to 8,000 BCE): Armstrong begins with the hunter-gatherer societies, where myth was deeply tied to the hunt. Animals were seen as sacred teachers, and the act of hunting was a religious ritual that required atonement. Myths from this era often focus on the relationship between life and death, suggesting that the two are inextricably linked.
The Neolithic Period (c. 8,000 to 4,000 BCE): With the advent of agriculture, myth shifted its focus toward the earth. The “Great Mother” figure became prominent, symbolizing the fertility of the soil and the cycles of planting and harvest. This era saw the rise of myths concerning sacrifice and renewal, reflecting the farmers’ dependence on the seasonal rhythms.
The Early Civilizations (c. 4,000 to 800 BCE): As humans moved into cities, myths became more complex and hierarchical. The gods of Mesopotamia and Egypt were often associated with the state and its rulers. Armstrong notes that during this time, myth began to function as a way to legitimize social order and urban infrastructure.
The Axial Age (c. 800 to 200 BCE): This pivotal period saw the emergence of major religious and philosophical traditions, including Buddhism, Confucianism, Rabbinic Judaism, and Greek rationalism. Myth during this time became more internalized and ethical. The focus shifted from external rituals to the internal state of the individual, emphasizing compassion and the quest for ultimate reality.
The Great Western Transformation (c. 1500 to the present): Armstrong concludes with the rise of the scientific revolution and the Enlightenment. This period marked a fundamental shift where logos (reason and scientific logic) began to replace mythos (symbolic narrative) as the primary mode of truth.

Historical / Cultural Context

Published in 2005 as the introductory volume to the “Myths” series by Canongate, this work arrived at a time when the academic and public understanding of religion and mythology was undergoing significant scrutiny. Armstrong, a former nun and a prominent historian of religion, wrote the book to address what she perceived as a modern crisis of meaning. She suggests that the contemporary world has lost the “art” of mythology, often leading to either a dry secularism or a rigid religious fundamentalism—both of which, she argues, stem from a literalist reading of stories that were originally intended to be symbolic.

The work reflects a broader intellectual movement that seeks to bridge the gap between historical scholarship and psychological insight. It draws on the traditions of comparative mythology popularized by figures such as Joseph Campbell and Mircea Eliade, while maintaining a more concise, historical focus. By placing the development of myth within the context of human history, Armstrong demonstrates that mythology is not a static relic of the past but a dynamic process that has continually reshaped itself to meet the needs of the human psyche.

Who This Book Is For

This work is intended for a broad audience, ranging from curious general readers to students of cultural history and psychology. It serves as an accessible entry point for those who wish to understand why cultures across the globe have consistently created stories about gods, heroes, and the origins of the world. Because of its brevity and clear thematic structure, it is often utilized as a foundational text in courses on comparative religion and mythology.

Readers interested in the intersection of history and psychology will find Armstrong’s distinction between mythos and logos particularly illuminating. It is a relevant resource for anyone exploring how modern narratives—even those found in secular literature and film—continue to mirror ancient mythological patterns. Those seeking a scholarly yet respectful overview of how human belief systems have evolved will find this work to be an informative guide.