sion of the theory that the first kings were strangers who, after a short reign, were destined to be sacrificed at solemn festivals as representatives of the deity; but Frazer himself does not consider his facts altogether convincing.[1] Christian myths are said to have been still influenced by the after-effects of this evolution of kings.
c) the taboo of the dead
We know that the dead are mighty rulers: we may be surprised to learn that they are regarded as enemies.
Among most primitive people the taboo of the dead displays, if we may keep to our infection analogy, a peculiar virulence. It manifests itself in the first place, in the consequences which result from contact with the dead, and in the treatment of the mourners for the dead. Among the Maori any one who had touched a corpse or who had taken part in its interment, became extremely unclean and was almost cut off from intercourse with his fellow beings; he was, as we say, boycotted. He could not enter a house, or approach persons or objects without infecting them with the same properties. He could not even touch his food with his own hands, which
- ↑ Frazer, “The Magic Act and the Evolution of Kings,” 2 vols., 1911. (The Golden Bough.)
