The Christ myth is a narrative that has evolved over centuries, blending various religious and cultural influences, including pagan beliefs and symbols. These influences played a significant role in shaping the development of the Christ myth as it is known today. One key pagan influence on the Christ myth was the concept of divine birth. Pagan religions often featured stories of gods and goddesses being born to mortal women, such as the Greek deity Zeus impregnating various women to sire demigods. This idea of a divine being descending to Earth through a miraculous birth was incorporated into the Christ myth with the story of the Virgin Birth. In Christianity, Jesus is believed to have been born to the Virgin Mary, making his birth a miraculous and divine event.
“Cornwell, a master of historical fiction, has written another energetic and involving mix of history and storytelling that will please his many fans….A sweeping story.” — Library Journal
Cornwell, a master of historical fiction, has written another energetic and involving mix of history and storytelling that will please his many fans. The seventh installment of Bernard Cornwell s New York Times bestselling series chronicling the epic saga of the making of England, like Game of Thrones, but real The Observer , London the basis for The Last Kingdom , the hit television series.
In Christianity, Jesus is believed to have been born to the Virgin Mary, making his birth a miraculous and divine event. Another pagan influence can be seen in the symbolism surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus. Pagan religions often celebrated the cycle of death and rebirth, and many gods and goddesses were associated with this theme.
The Pagan Lord: A Novel (Saxon Tales #7) (Paperback)
This is book number 7 in the Saxon Tales series.
- #1: The Last Kingdom (Saxon Tales #1) (Paperback): $18.00
- #2: The Pale Horseman: A Novel (Saxon Tales #2) (Paperback): $17.99
- #3: Lords of the North: A Novel (Saxon Tales #3) (Paperback): $16.99
- #4: Sword Song: The Battle for London (Saxon Tales #4) (Paperback): $17.99
- #5: The Burning Land: A Novel (Saxon Tales #5) (Paperback): $16.99
- #6: Death of Kings: A Novel (Saxon Tales #6) (Paperback): $17.99
- #8: The Empty Throne: A Novel (Saxon Tales #8) (Large Print / Paperback): $31.49
- #9: Warriors of the Storm: A Novel (Saxon Tales #9) (Paperback): $16.99
- #10: The Flame Bearer (Saxon Tales) (Large Print / Paperback): $27.99
- #11: War of the Wolf: A Novel (Saxon Tales #11) (Paperback): $17.99
- #12: Sword of Kings: A Novel (Saxon Tales #12) (Paperback): $16.99
- #13: War Lord: A Novel (Saxon Tales #13) (Paperback): $16.99
Related Editions
- Kobo eBook (January 7th, 2014): $13.49
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Staff Reviews
Unusual adventures along with hazardous action are narrated centering on the brave Lord Uhtred in this newest novel from Bernard Cornwell. From saving his own proud name by rescuing his son from white robed churchmen who serve God and are attempting to enlist the offspring to become part of the pack of Christian priests, to a clash with old rival Cnut Ranulfson, a Lord that kills, burns, and raids communities for declaration. This man is calculating, clever, and does not give in to idiotic risks. He has become a legend of the land. Cnut has captured those people that are closest to Uhtred and has held them for ransom. The Danish Lord of Northumbria has now summoned Uhtred for a meeting at Fortress City to discuss details of the demands. Uhtred gathers a small band of warriors that include soldiers, clerics, and experienced seamen. Armed with chain mail, helmets, shields, and various weapons, the assembly travel with passion, bravery, and intellect behind the imposing banner of the wolf to confront the unyielding Cnut Ranulfson that will result in an unforgettable showdown.
Bernard Cornwell has perfected historical fiction based around 910 AD and forward, when King Edward and his army invaded and slaughtered many of the Danes. The historical descriptions of battle scenes are depicted with warfare strategies, the sense of fear among combatants, and the bravery of the victor. Cornwell pronounces the bellow of onslaught noises such as when two shield walls collide like thunder and fight to the death, and the shrieks of death that flow across the battle field. The two singled out forces in The Pagan Lord are represented by swords owned by each, Lord Ranulfson - Ice Spite, and Lord Uhtred - Serpent Breath. These become iconic throughout the story along with valiant names and flying banners in which armies choose to follow and serve in order to gain power through reputation. The art of war is taught in this gritty but classic novel, along with his New York Times Bestsellers 1356 and Agincourt.
Description
The seventh installment of Bernard Cornwell’s New York Times bestselling series chronicling the epic saga of the making of England, “like Game of Thrones, but real” (The Observer, London)—the basis for The Last Kingdom, the hit television series.
At the onset of the tenth century, England is in turmoil. Alfred the Great is dead and Edward, his son, reigns as king. Wessex survives, but peace cannot hold: the Danes in the north, led by Viking Cnut Longsword, stand ready to invade and will not rest until the emerald crown is theirs.
Uhtred, once Alfred’s great warrior but now out of favor with the new king, must lead a band of outcasts north to recapture his old family home, that great Northumbrian fortress, Bebbanburg.
In The Pagan Lord, loyalties will be divided and men will fall, as every Saxon kingdom is drawn into the bloodiest battle yet with the Danes: a war that will decide the fate of every king, and the entire British nation.
About the Author
BERNARD CORNWELL is the author of over fifty novels, including the acclaimed New York Times bestselling Saxon Tales, which serve as the basis for the hit Netflix series The Last Kingdom. He lives with his wife on Cape Cod and in Charleston, South Carolina.
Praise For…
“A violent, absorbing historical saga, deeply researched and thoroughly imagined.” — Washington Post
“Cornwell successfully brings an unjustly obscure era in British history to life….The conflict between Dane and Saxon is examined with sympathy and insight-without projecting 21st century values onto cultures now alien to us. In the course of this, he shows how historical novels should be written.” — Publishers Weekly
“Cornwell, a master of historical fiction, has written another energetic and involving mix of history and storytelling that will please his many fans….A sweeping story.” — Library Journal
“Cornwell does a masterful job of showing not only how Uhtred fights, but also in how he uses his wits to backstab, threaten, bluff, and maneuver his way into a position where he’s able to fight with the best possible odds.” — Bookreporter.com
“Plunges the reader into the world of the past, with all of its cruelties, nonexistent plumbing and deplorable personal grooming. Cornwell is a master at writing these historical novels, and The Pagan Lord as usual, is no exception.” — The Oklahoman
“Uhtred of Bebbanburg rides into battle once again in the seventh installment of Cornwell’s stellar Saxon Tales series….Cornwell excels at depicting gloriously gory battle scenes as well as the inherent religious, political, and martial conflicts upon which a great nation was born.” — Booklist
- Fiction / Historical
- Fiction / War & Military
- Fiction / Action & Adventure
- Kobo eBook (January 7th, 2014): $13.49
- Paperback, Large Print (January 7th, 2014): $31.49
They ride to Ceaster (Chester) and enter the gates by a clever maneuver by Utred’s son. They leave Hæsten’s grey-haired wife Brunna, and take Cnut’s deaf and dumb wife Frigg and children. When the children see a priest, they mistake him for Uncle (Abbot) Wihtred. The Danes – a force of 4,000 men in 168 ships - sailed on the Sæfern (River Severn) deep into Mercia. Gloucester is the first city they will find, and where Uhtred goes. He drives away the attackers outside the city by threatening the lives of Cnut’s wife and children. Inside Glaewecestre (Gloucester), they are met by Osferth, Æthelflaed, and the bishop who burned Uhtred’s barns. Uhtred realises the abbot he killed was sent by Cnut, part of his ruse to distract Mercia. The action needed now is to draw Cnut away from Æthelred until King Edward can bring up the Wessex forces. Uhtred sets fire to the Danish boats, all but one. That one is for Osferth to sail to reach King Edward.
For example, the Egyptian god Osiris was believed to have died and been resurrected, and the harvest festival of the ancient Greeks, known as the Eleusinian Mysteries, included a reenactment of the goddess Demeter's search for her daughter Persephone, who had been taken to the underworld. These themes of death and rebirth were incorporated into the Christ myth with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, representing his sacrifice and subsequent triumph over death. Additionally, pagan mythology and traditions influenced the ritual practices and symbolism associated with Christianity. For example, the use of evergreen trees and wreaths in Christmas celebrations can be traced back to pagan winter solstice festivals, where these symbols were used to symbolize life and fertility during the darkest time of the year. Similarly, the use of eggs and rabbits in Easter celebrations can be traced back to pagan fertility symbols associated with the spring equinox. In conclusion, the Christ myth was shaped by a variety of influences, including pagan beliefs and symbols. The concept of divine birth, the symbolism of death and resurrection, and the ritual practices associated with Christianity all bear traces of pagan influences. These influences have contributed to the rich and complex narrative of the Christ myth as it has evolved over time..
Reviews for "Pagan Mythology and the Christ Story: Bridging the Gap"
1. John - 2/5 stars
I was extremely disappointed with "Pagan influences on the development of the Christ myth." While I was expecting an objective exploration of the topic, the book seemed to have a biased agenda from the start. The author selectively cherry-picked evidence to support their preconceived conclusions, ignoring the vast amount of scholarly research that contradicts their claims. The lack of counter-arguments or alternative viewpoints made the book feel more like a propaganda piece than an academic work. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-rounded examination of the subject.
2. Emily - 1/5 stars
I found "Pagan influences on the development of the Christ myth" to be incredibly misleading and poorly researched. The author's arguments were weak and lacked substantial evidence. It appeared they were more interested in pushing their personal beliefs than in presenting a balanced analysis. The book also failed to address significant counter-arguments or engage with opposing viewpoints, further diminishing its credibility. I would suggest looking for more reputable sources if you're interested in exploring this topic.
3. Alex - 2/5 stars
Unfortunately, "Pagan influences on the development of the Christ myth" fell short of my expectations. I was hoping for a thorough examination of the potential connections between pagan beliefs and the development of Christianity. However, the book merely scratched the surface and failed to provide a comprehensive analysis. The arguments presented were often oversimplified and lacking in supporting evidence. I believe there are better books out there that delve deeper into this topic and offer a more nuanced perspective.
4. Sarah - 2/5 stars
I was initially intrigued by the premise of "Pagan influences on the development of the Christ myth," but ultimately, I found it unconvincing. The author seemed more interested in advancing their personal agenda rather than presenting a well-supported argument. The lack of credible sources and reliance on outdated research made the book feel outdated and irrelevant. I would recommend seeking out more scholarly and balanced works on the subject if you're genuinely interested in exploring the potential impact of pagan influences on Christianity.