Sacred and Mythological Mountains (Kutsal ve Mitik Dağlar) is a significant work by the French historian and Turkologist Jean-Paul Roux that provides an in-depth examination of the sacred and mythological roles of mountains throughout human history. The work comprehensively addresses how mountains' cultural, religious, and mythological meanings were shaped in different geographies and societies. Roux emphasizes that mountains are not merely physical entities but also sacred spaces at the center of human history and belief systems.

Subject

The book investigates how mountains have been considered sacred in historical and cultural contexts. It examines the place of mountains in the belief systems of various societies through numerous examples, from Mount Olympus in Greek mythology to Mount Kailash in Hinduism, Mount Kunlun in China, and the sacred Ötüken of the Turks. The work also discusses how mountains are associated with universal themes such as death, birth, creation, and the flood, and the role of these themes in mythological narratives.

Themes

• The Sacredness of Mountains: The relationship between mountains and the heavens and metaphysics is explored.
• Mythological Narratives: The connection between mountains and universal themes such as creation and the flood is examined.
• Cultural Beliefs: The sacred meanings and rituals attributed to mountains by different societies are discussed.
• The Relationship between Nature and Humanity: The place and significance of mountains in human history is questioned.

Narration and Style

Jean-Paul Roux reveals the historical and cultural significance of mountains with an academic language and in-depth analysis. The work appeals to both historians and readers interested in mythology and cultural studies. Roux's research, which covers a wide geographical range, demonstrates how mountains are perceived as a universal symbol.