Myths of the Dog-Man

This ambitious cross-cultural study traces the persistent archetype of the canine-human hybrid across religious traditions, folklore, and historical texts, from Gnostic and Manichaean roots to medieval Christian legends. White constructs a compelling narrative that connects disparate phenomena, including the lore of dog-stars like Sirius, the concept of dog-days, and the role of canine psychopomps guiding souls to the afterlife. The work’s remarkable scope spans continents and centuries, revealing a hidden thread in the tapestry of human belief.

What makes this research so vital is its synthesis of evidence from anthropology, religious history, and folklore into a cohesive argument about a universal myth. Readers with an interest in comparative mythology or the history of religions will find a treasure trove of well-documented connections that challenge conventional boundaries between cultures. The book ultimately demonstrates how a single, potent image can illuminate vast stretches of human thought and imagination.