Here he notes that the Orphic and Eleusinian mystery traditions of ancient Greece were influenced by earlier Egyptian initiation rituals. The mythologies of these cults all refer to a journey into the underworld. In ancient Greece, virtually all persons of status in society were initiated into these cults. The rituals are not fully known, as [...]

Here he points out that, in the mythological history of humanity, there have been many occasions in which ruling deities have been overthrown. Kronos, with the help of his mother Gaia, overthrew his father Ouranos. Zeus, in turn, with the help of his mother Rhea, overthrew Kronos. He suggests that Demeter, an earth goddess, wished [...]