Vedic Mythology by A.A. MacDonell

Book Reviewed: Vedic Mythology by A.A. MacDonell - The religion and mythology of RgVeda (Rig-Veda)

This is a scholarly work of Sanskrit scholar and Oxford University Professor A.A. MacDonell. In this book he examines the religion and mythology of RgVeda and describes methodically the origin of the concept of gods, and enumerates on Vedic cosmology and eschatology. The author gives a good introduction to the fundamentals of the Vedic religion and compares it with the Avesta mythology. He lucidly explains the general characteristics of Vedic Gods (and their classification) and spiritual evolution through the period of Brahmanas.

RgVeda is one of the ancient cultures of humanity which gave rise to the concept that the humans were created by the divine power. The sense that human’s existence and welfare depends on those powers made the Vedic Aryans feel the desire to worship gods in various natural forms. One of the most commonly evolved methods was to make offerings to the gods and perform sacrifices and follow certain ritualistic practices that became the part of the Vedic culture. In the evolution of faith and the belief system, the interdependence of gods in protecting the universe was essential. The Vedic tradition also provided for the existence of forces that are disruptive to the rule of gods. Hence, according to the Vedic literature gods had to engage these destructive forces, called rakshas, in constant battles to preserve the divine order and bring peace to the world he loves so dearly. Vedic gods were friends and guardians of honesty and righteousness, and morality in general. They are upholders of the moral law. Gods are angry with evil-doers, but they are also forgiving. Agni is supposed to free us from sin; Varuna and Indra are punishers of sin, and so on.

Nature became the major form of Vedic worship. Earth, mountain, river, plant, air, sky, sun, wind, fire, cow, horse and other animals became symbols of divine power. In some verses gods are described as human beings with supernatural powers and the difference being that gods are immortal. The ancient Vedic interpreter Yaksha (Nirukta 7:4) states that the Vedic deities are not necessarily anthropomorphic as we observe in the case of earth, sun, wind or water.

The author has a given a brief description and discussed the nature of several RgVedic gods in categories; Celestial gods (Varuna, Mitra, Surya, Vishnu, etc.); Atmospheric gods (Indra, Rudra, The Maruts, etc.); Terrestrial gods (Agni, Prithvi, rivers (Sarasvati), Soma, etc.); Abstract gods (Prajapathi, Aditi, etc.); Mythical priests and heroes (Manu, Bhrgu, Angirases, etc.); animals and inanimate objects (horse, bull, cow, goat, birds, serpent, etc.); and finally demons, rakshas and fiends (Vrtra, Vala, Asuras, Panis, Dasas, etc.)

This is by no means an exhaustive work but an excellent introductory book to understand the religion of RgVeda from one of the leading Sanskrit scholars of nineteenth century. For a more in depth study, I recommend “The Religion and Philosophy of the Veda and Upanishads” (2 Vols) by Arthur Berriedale Keith.