ABSTRACT

THE mythical representation did not begin with the human figures at all, but with the phenomena of external nature that were represented by means of animals, birds, reptiles and insects, etc., and various signs and symbols which had demonstrated the possession of superhuman faculties and powers. The origin of various superstitions and customs seemingly insane can be traced to Sign Language. Modern popular superstition, to a large extent, is the ancient symbolism in its childhood. In the most primitive phase mythology was a mode of representing certain Elemental Powers by means of living types that were superhuman, like the natural phenomena, a!ld the foundations of all Ancient Wisdom were laid in the pre-anthropomorphic mode of primitive representation; and this mythical mode of representation went on developing in Egypt, keeping touch with the advancing Arts. Primitive man did not make

the mistake about the facts of nature, as we have mistaken the primitive method of expressing them.