The Great Mother: An Analysis of the Archetype

Neumann's book is really a masterpiece. I reccomend reading it after The origins and history of consciousness, where he traces the evolution of the male archetype. Neumann was probably the most freudian of all Jungian disciples. He also introduced some variations in the jungian theories. For example, he stated (read the first chapter of the great mother) that the archetype of the hero represents the evolution of consciousness and the great mother the evolution of the unconscious. This is a somehow different view from Jung's contrasexual identities. Neumann's effort in the great mother is so huge that deserves a place of privilege in the litterature of mythological interpretations. Though I think it is important not to read it literally, but symbolically, letting the images inspire your imagination. Though today other jungians, and especially Hillman get the honors of scholars and psychologists alike, Neumann's systematic work is an invaluable resource that preluded in the jungian field later discoveries in the freudian school such as those of Balint, Winnicott or Margaret Mahler.

The Great Mother is an absolute must-have for anyone intersted in mythology, Jungian psychology or even literary analysis.Part I is quite heavy in termonology and complex archtypal ideas; part II is more accessable and can be read and enjoyed without part I. As a feminist, I found it fascinating to learn about the different aspects of the goddess. I especially enjoyed the chapter called "Lady of the Beasts" which discusses the different animals associated with the Great Mother and their symbolic significance. Even if you don't subcribe to Jungian psychology, this book is a fascinating look into the human mind.Finally, there's 185 pages of photographs and drawings at the end of the book -- fascinating to thumb through!