Medieval and Modern Forms of Nature Ritual
Is it possible to establish chain of descent connecting early Aryan and
Babylonian Ritual with Classic, Medieval and Modern forms of Nature
worship? Survival of Adonis cult established. Evidence of Mannhardt and
Frazer. Existing Continental customs recognized as survivals of ancient
beliefs. Instances. ‘Directly related’ to Attis-Adonis cult. Von
Schroeder establishes parallel between existing Fertility procession
and _Rig-Veda_ poem. Identification of Life Principle with King.
Prosperity of land dependent on king as representative of god. Celts.
Greeks. Modern instances, the Shilluk Kings. Parallel between Shilluk
King, Grail King and Vegetation Deity. _Sone de Nansai_ and the _Lament
for Tammuz_. Identity of situation. Plea for unprejudiced criticism.
Impossibility of such parallels being fortuitous; the result of
deliberate intention, not an accident of literary invention. If
identity of central character be admitted his relation to Waste Land
becomes fundamental factor in criticizing versions. Another African
survival.