Method and Madness in the Study of Greek Shamanism

The Case of Peter Kingsley

Bibliographic Data

ID16824683
AuthorsJan N Bremmer (0000-0001-8400-7143, corresponding author)
Year2018
Volume13
Issue1
Pages93-109
Publication date2018-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueASDIWAL Revue genevoise d anthropologie et d histoire des religions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1662-4653 • E-ISSN: 2674-1180
PublisherPERSEE Program (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.3406/asdi.2018.1126
OpenAlexW3016413228
LanguageEN
Citations received5

ln my contribution, 1 first discuss the very first mention of shamanism in classical scholarship and its notable spelling by Creuzer. 1 also note that Creuzer already mentioned the « usual suspects » of Greek shamanism, who ohen appear in the same grouping in ancient texts. These figures drew the attention of classical scholars again at the end of the nineteenth century, and a kind of Greek shamanism, as influenced by the Scythians, was postulated by prominent classical scholars, such as Eric Robertson Dodds and Karl Meuli. Although recent discussions have refuted the influence of Scythian shamanism, Peter Kingsley has tried to revive the notion of Greek shamanism by concentrating on Abaris. ln my contribution I show that his arguments to turn Abaris into a Mongol are based on non-evidence, on distorting available evidence and on misreading sources. ln a positive sense, 1 also discuss our notices about Hermotimos and Aristeas, drawing attention to neglected sources. 1 conclude that in the present state of our evidence we can only say that there was no Greek shamanism and no influence of Central Asia

Archaeology · Art · Linguistics · Literature · Political science · Scholarship · Shamanism · Spelling · Classical Antiquity Studies · Historical, Religious, and Philosophical Studies · History · Law · Philosophy · Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices

Tools

Open DOI