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Giorgio de Santillana

Hamlet's Mill: An Essay Investigating the Origins of Human Knowledge and Its Transmission Through Myth

"Hamlet's Mill: An Essay Investigating the Origins of Human Knowledge and Its Transmission Through Myth" by Giorgio de Santillana and Hertha von Dechend is a groundbreaking and thought-provoking exploration of the origins of human knowledge and its transmission through myth. The authors argue that ancient myths and legends from around the world contain a hidden code that reveals a sophisticated understanding of astronomy and celestial movement. The book's central thesis is that a group of ancient astronomer-priests, whom the authors refer to as the "Megalithic Astronomers," developed a complex understanding of the heavens and encoded this knowledge in the myths and legends of their cultures. The authors support their argument with an exhaustive analysis of myths and legends from around the world, including those of the Norse, Greek, Egyptian, and Native American cultures. One of the book's most compelling aspects is its interdisciplinary approach, which combines the fields of anthropology, archaeology, astronomy, and comparative mythology. The authors' use of primary sources and their meticulous attention to detail make their argument convincing and thought-provoking. However, the book is not without its controversies. Some critics have argued that the authors' interpretation of myths is overly literal and that they overlook the poetic and symbolic nature of myth-making. Others have criticized the book's dense and academic writing style, which can make it challenging for the casual reader to follow. Despite these criticisms, "Hamlet's Mill" remains a significant and influential work in the field of comparative mythology. Its exploration of the relationship between myth and astronomy challenges traditional assumptions about the origins of human knowledge and offers a new perspective on the role of myth in human culture. In conclusion, "Hamlet's Mill" is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the origins of human knowledge and its transmission through myth. While its interdisciplinary approach and meticulous attention to detail make it a valuable resource for scholars, its dense writing style may make it challenging for the casual reader. Nevertheless, the book's central thesis and exhaustive analysis of myths and legends from around the world make it a significant and influential work in the field of comparative mythology...