The concept of goddess [WorldCat Entities]

"This volume is an up-to-date, highly readable study of the female aspects of religion both in past and present mythologies. It explores the function and nature of goddesses and their cults in many cultures."@en
"This volume is an up-to-date, highly readable study of the female aspects of religion both in past and present mythologies. It explores the function and nature of goddesses and their cults in many cultures."
"Bringing together experts from a range of backgrounds, this volume explores the function of goddesses in a cross-section of cultures from around the world, including the Celtic, Roman, Norse, Caucasian and Japanese traditions. The contributors compare the nature of the various cults dominated by a female deity in predominantly patriarchal societies, examining the substance of myths both ancient and modern. What this volume perhaps illustrates most vividly is the wide range of responsibilities undertaken by the goddess-figure. They were not simply allotted the roles perceived as conventionally 'feminine'; female deities were also known to have held sway in war, hunting and questions of sovereignty."