The The Occult Truths of Myths and Legends: Greek and Germanic Mythology. Richard Wagner in the Light of Spiritual Science

In this series of previously-untranslated lectures, Rudolf Steiner explores how myths and legends portray humanity's ancient evolutionary and spiritual history, focusing on Greek and Germanic mythology. He discusses various themes, including the mysteries of the Druids, the founding of Rome, good and evil, and the significance of marriage. The second part of the book discusses the musical dramas of Richard Wagner, suggesting that his shaping of Germanic legends was driven by an instinctive, creative, and artistic certainty that accords with deep occult truths.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 214 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2022
Publisher: Rudolf Steiner Press

In this series of previously-untranslated lectures, Rudolf Steiner delves into the portrayal of humanity's ancient evolutionary and spiritual history through myths and legends. Folklore serves as a vessel for preserving ancient mystical wisdom, presenting it in the form of captivating stories adorned with visual imagery by initiates. These narratives enable individuals to grasp their content in a more intellectual and profound manner at a later stage.

The lectures in the first part of this volume specifically focus on Greek and Germanic mythology, encompassing the chronicles of Prometheus, Daedalus, and Icarus, Parzival and Lohengrin, the Argonauts, and the Odyssey. From these focal points, Rudolf Steiner explores a wide range of themes, including the mysteries of the Druids, the founding of Rome, the esoteric background of Wolfram von Eschenbach, the concepts of good and evil, and the unjust death sentence imposed on Socrates. Additionally, he delves into the significance of marriage and its role in human relationships.

The second part of this book delves into the nature and significance of Richard Wagner's musical dramas. Wagners works, ranging from his earliest attempts to his most mature opera Parsifal, are analyzed from spiritual perspectives. While Wagner may not have had a fully conscious awareness of the deeper meanings embedded in his compositions, Steiner suggests that his shaping of Germanic legends was driven by an instinctive, creative, and artistic certainty that aligns with profound occult truths.

Through his meticulous exploration of myths and legends, Rudolf Steiner offers a profound insight into the evolution of human consciousness and the spiritual journey of humanity. These lectures provide a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the ancient wisdom contained within these timeless stories.

Weight: 330g
Dimension: 154 x 234 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781855846043