been advanced as probable for which due evidence cannot be
produced. Yet among many points which are proved, and many
others which are probable, there must always remain many other
facts of which we cannot feel sure that our own explanation is
the true one; and the student who endeavours to fathom the
primitive thoughts of mankind, as enshrined in mythology, will
do well to bear in mind the modest words of Jacob Grimm,--
himself the greatest scholar and thinker who has ever dealt
with this class of subjects,--"I shall indeed interpret all
that I can, but I cannot interpret all that I should like."

PETERSHAM, September 6, 1872.




CONTENTS.

I. THE ORIGINS OF FOLK-LORE

II. THE DESCENT OF FIRE

III. WEREWOLVES AND SWAN-MAIDENS

IV. LIGHT AND DARKNESS

V. MYTHS OF THE BARBARIC WORLD

VI. JUVENTUS MUNDI