The Serpent as a Pan-Mediterranean Myth1

Abstract

In this article it is introduced the connections between the archetype of the snake (in it's pure or hybrids forms, as the serpent-woman) and other myths related to the Mediterranean sea, from Preclassics, Christians and Postmodern lectures. It is also introduced the transpersonification mechanisms, which allow the exchange of this legends between snakes and other mythological personifications (enchanted ones, moors, etc.). It is analyzed cases and examples of this archetype in the myths of the Mediterranean narrative, including tales, legends, toponymy, etc. It is also analyzed the projection and modern lectures of this topic, specially its relation with the cultural and tourist patrimony.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n4s2p422