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Madden's work sheds light on the mythologies of cultures and civilizations worldwide. More than that, though, it establishes how myths have always acted as the language of understanding, a means to articulate the way the world worked before any other mode of communication existed. From the origin stories of the natives to the myths that define the world's continents, Madden showcases his impeccable research, especially in identifying myth patterns across commonly observed cultures throughout history.
In essence, then, the author argues that mythology became the avenue for translating complexities, phenomena, and aspects of life, such as weather, life, death, and wealth, which were all anointed with their own equivalent gods. Preliterate cultures, though primitive, built a rich tradition of storytelling that laid the foundations for religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Peering deeper into these stories, one can discern how mythology is, more or less, a blueprint for social guidance, a demonstration of the values one should adhere to, the consequences of not doing so, and how one should live overall within a societal construct.
Diving into a series of myths from their respective regions, Madden shows how certain parallels keep cropping up. For instance, the idea of karmic retribution at the end of life is prominent. Whether that is Judgment Day in Christianity, the promise of an afterlife in Egyptian lore as seen through Osiris, or reincarnation in Hinduism, depending on the checks and balances of your deeds, the life and death construct is present to steer individuals toward positive qualities and values while fearing the consequences of the negative ones.
While each myth is engaging on its own, each culture offers a unique layer of understanding. For example, in the African myth of the crocodile and the hunter, readers learn how gratitude manifests in the most unexpected ways. While some myths like this one have a distinctly Aesop's fables feel, others feature individuals with more nefarious intentions, such as the story of the Corn sisters and their mistreatment of their youngest sister. Perhaps what is most intriguing about Madden's efforts is the objectivity with which he presents his commentary on the stories. The end result is unique in that it demonstrates how all of humanity has been and remains interconnected through the myth, the story. To further validate this, one can argue that no myth is more fitting than that of the flood origin story. From the story of Gilgamesh to Noah's Ark and the Hindu "sagar manthan"—the churning of nectar from the oceans—a flood has served as the chaos necessary to restore order in the world.
From Irish mythology emerge fairies, the best-known being leprechauns. Madden's efforts in sharing these stories not only demonstrate the interconnected nature of the world but also depict the evolution of myths as these elements permeate mainstream society (e.g., St. Patrick's Day). Overall, Madden goes to great lengths to show congruencies between myths. The level of clarity and Madden's inherent ability to simplify complex concepts make for an enriching experience for all.