Python: A Study of Delphic Myth and Its Origins

Python: A Study of Delphic Myth and Its Origins by Joseph Fontenrose is a landmark study in the field of mythology and comparative folklore, tracing the evolution of the combat myth across cultures and civilizations. At its core, the book examines the story of Apollo’s battle with the dragon Python at Delphi, positioning it as a key narrative that links Greek myth to broader mythological traditions spanning Mesopotamia, Canaan, Egypt, India, China, and even medieval Europe. Fontenrose’s thematic approach challenges conventional structuralist methods, arguing that the recurrence of key mythic motifs indicates a genetic relationship between myths, rather than independent emergence. His meticulous analysis of textual sources―ranging from classical literature to ancient inscriptions―provides a comprehensive understanding of the symbolic and religious functions of the combat myth.

With an emphasis on accessibility, Fontenrose makes this complex material approachable to both scholars and general readers interested in mythology, anthropology, and folklore. He carefully translates and transliterates Greek, Latin, and Oriental names, ensuring clarity while preserving linguistic authenticity. By engaging with a diverse array of myths, he demonstrates how the combat between a heroic deity and a monstrous adversary is a universal theme reflecting deep-seated cultural anxieties and cosmic struggles. This paperbound edition ensures that a wider audience can appreciate Fontenrose’s groundbreaking insights, making Python an essential reference for anyone seeking to understand the origins and transformations of mythic narratives across time and space.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1959.