An informative guide to the modern mythologies. This classic study, translated from the original French, deals primarily with societies around the world in which myth is--or was until very recently--"living," in the sense that it supplies models for human behavior &, by that very fact, gives meaning & value to life. The author believes that understanding the structure & function of myths in these traditional societies serves to clarify a stage in the history of human thought: "myths reveal that the world, man & life have a supernatural origin & history, & that this history is significant, precious & exemplary."