Wonders of the World

11 lectures in Munich, August 18–28, 1911 (CW 129)

“From the contents of original Greek drama and the soul drama of the present day that leads to self-knowledge, Rudolf Steiner develops his thought processes—pulsating with lively contemplation—about wonders of the world, trials of the soul, and revelations of the spirit!” —Marie Steiner

In this remarkable interpretation of Greek mythology, Rudolf Steiner goes beyond Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell in his reading of such mythical figures as Demeter, Persephone, Eros, and Dionysos as primordial archetypes of macrocosmic thinking, feeling, and will. Moreover, he explains in detail how human archetypal consciousness was gradually lost, giving way to newfound, subjective experience of those faculties, which in turn opens possibilities for human freedom. His overarching theme of the “evolution of consciousness” is grand in sweep, while Steiner shows himself to be a master of telling details. 

The freshly revised text features an introduction, notes, color images, an index, and appendices by Prof. Frederick Amrine.

This volume is a translation from German of Weltenwunder, Seelenprüfungen und Geistesoffenbarungen (Rudolf Steiner Verlag, 1995, vol. 129).