Hidden Paradigms: Comparing Epic Themes, Characters, and Plot Structures

The key belief patterns in an epic story can reveal community-level values, familial bonds, and divine and human concerns. Hidden Paradigms, by anthropologist Brenda E.F. Beck, compares the Legend of Ponnivala, an oral epic from rural South India, to five other culturally significant works, establishing it as one that engages with universal human struggles and themes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 476 pages
Publication date: 12 April 2023
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Understanding the core belief patterns within an epic story can provide valuable insights into the community's values, the nature of familial bonds, and the intricate dynamics between divine and human concerns. These foundational motifs, while often overlooked in the context of South Asian folk legends, hold immense significance in shaping the values exemplified by the central heroes and heroines of these tales. In her book "Hidden Paradigms," anthropologist Brenda E.F. Beck delves into the captivating realm of The Legend of Ponnivala, an oral epic originating from rural South India. Recorded in 1965, this epic was sung to a group of enthusiastic villagers by a renowned pair of local bards, spanning a remarkable duration of over eighteen nights. Beck's work brings this unique example of Tamil culture to the global forefront, comparing it to five other culturally significant works: the Ojibwa Nanabush cycle, the Mahabharata, an Icelandic Saga, the Bible, and the Epic of Gilgamesh. Through this comparative analysis, Beck establishes The Legend of Ponnivala as a foundational Tamil story that engages with the same universal human struggles and themes found across diverse cultures worldwide.

Illustrated extensively, "Hidden Paradigms" serves as a compelling demonstration of the power of comparative thinking, offering a humanistic complement to scientific reasoning. By exploring the underlying belief systems of these epic narratives, readers gain a deeper understanding of the human experience and the complexities of our world. The Legend of Ponnivala, with its rich cultural heritage and universal themes, stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of storytelling and the power of cultural exchange. Through Beck's meticulous research and insightful comparisons, this book provides a valuable contribution to the field of anthropology and encourages readers to embrace a broader perspective on the world around them.

Weight: 640g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487529345