the theory of the irrational element in mythology which we propose
to offer.

Even to sketch the history of mythological hypothesis in modern
times would require a book to itself. It must suffice here to
indicate the various lines which speculation as to mythology has
pursued.

All interpretations of myth have been formed in accordance with the
ideas prevalent in the time of the interpreters. The early Greek
physicists thought that mythopoeic men had been physicists.
Aristotle hints that they were (like himself) political
philosophers.[1] Neo-platonists sought in the myths for Neo-
platonism; most Christians (unlike Eusebius) either sided with
Euhemerus, or found in myth the inventions of devils, or a
tarnished and distorted memory of the Biblical revelation.


[1] Met., xi. 8,19.


This was the theory, for example, of good old Jacob Bryant, who saw
everywhere memories of the Noachian deluge and proofs of the
correctness of Old Testament ethnology.[1]


[1] Bryant, A New System, wherein an Attempt is made to Divest
Tradition of Fable, 1774.