THE DEVELOPMENT OF HINDU MYTHOLOGY
THE DEVELOPMENT OF HINDU MYTHOLOGY
One of the most characteristic traits of childhood is the reality with which everything is clothed. The child invests with living, breathing power all natural phenomena around it. The trees in the garden speak ; the wooden doll, repulsively ugly as it may appear to others, has to the child a beautiful form and a distinct personality. Should a table stand in the way and unexpectedly cause pain, the child, once recovered from the feeling of surprise, may beat it in anger. In the darkness of the night a rag doll gives infinite solace and security. In the childhood of a race the same characteristics prevail. The forces and powers of Nature interpret themselves to the opening minds of primitive peoples in a personal light as though each had life and personality.