The Legends of Genesis

by Hermann Gunkel

Publisher:

Open Court

, 1901

Overview

Herman Gunkel’s controversial book on Genesis, published in 1901, is still widely read and commented on today. Beginning with an elaborate introduction on the nature of legends and what constitutes a legend, Gunkel then sets forth to identify the stories in Genesis that fit those parameters. It is his belief that the origination of these stories cannot be traced back to written documents because they were passed on in an oral tradition from preliterate societies. A challenging and polarizing book, it nevertheless presents fresh insight into the book of Genesis.

The Legends of Genesis is essential for students, scholars, pastors, historians, and teachers of the Bible who want to go more in depth in the study of Genesis. With Logos Bible Software, this collection is completely searchable, with passages of scripture appearing on mouse-over, as well as being linked to Greek and Hebrew texts and English translations in your library.

Key Features

• Contribution from a renowned Old Testament scholar
• Includes a publisher's note and an index

Contents

Top Highlights

“‘Myths’—let no one shrink from the word—are stories of the gods, in contradistinction to the legends in which the actors are men. Stories of the gods are in all nations the oldest narratives; the legend as a literary variety has its origin in myths.” (Page 14)

“In later times there were formed of these individual legends greater units, called legend cycles, in which the separate legends are more or less artistically combined.” (Page 45)

“Another distinguishing feature of legend and history is their different spheres of interest. History treats great public occurrences, while legend deals with things that interest the common people, with personal and private matters, and is fond of presenting even political affairs and personages so that they will attract popular attention.” (Pages 4–5)

“legends are not lies; on the contrary, they are a particular form of poetry” (Page 3)

“ARE the narratives of Genesis history or legend? For” (Page 1)

Product Details

• Title: The Legends of Genesis
• Author: Hermann Gunkel
• Translator: W. H. Carruth
• Publisher: The Open Court Publishing Co.
• Publication Date: 1901
• Pages: 190

About Hermann Gunkel

Hermann Gunkel (1862–1932) was a German Protestant Old Testament scholar. He is noted for his contribution to form criticism and the study of oral tradition in biblical texts. He was an outstanding representative of the “History of Religion School.”