First published in 1890, The Golden Bough explores the common themes and symbols in myth, religion, and ritual across different cultures. Frazer's study delves into a wide array of ancient and contemporary practices, focusing on themes such as the dying and resurrecting god, fertility rites, and the concept of the sacred king. His central thesis is that many religious and magical beliefs share universal patterns, which reflect humanity's attempt to control nature and understand the mysteries of life and death. Although some of his theories have been critiqued or revised by later scholars, The Golden Bough remains a seminal text for its rich analysis of myth and ritual, and it has inspired writers and thinkers, including T.S. Eliot, Carl Jung, and Sigmund Freud, in their explorations of human nature and culture.
