Myth and Meaning

Myth and Meaning: San-Bushman Folklore in Global Context, 1st Edition, is a book that examines the mythological narratives of the San-Bushmen to formulate a broader theory of how myth functions in culture. J. D. Lewis-Williams analyzes these traditional narratives to clarify their role within San thought and social life.

The study integrates nineteenth-century material from the Bleek and Lloyd archives with recent ethnographic research and San rock art. Lewis-Williams interprets prominent oral traditions, including the narrative of The Broken String, to illustrate how folklore generates meaning.

By investigating implicit concepts and vocabulary embedded within San language, the volume connects indigenous symbolism to broader frameworks of myth interpretation.