Labyrinths and Mazes
by Geoffery Ashe
Labyrinths take us back thousands of years. Their convolutions have marked the course of ceremonial dances and initiatory rituals.
In legend, threading a labyrinth might lead to a confrontation with a lurking monster; in real-life sports, it might lead the labyrinth-threader to a bride.
Ancient designs cut in turf, or laid out on the floors of cathedrals, remain enigmatic. As the patterns of labyrinths grew more complex and puzzling, they evolved into true mazes. In recent years new ones have been created, some on a
large scale.
Contents:
A Labyrinth or a Maze?
The Pattern
Cretan, coincidental or sacred?
From Ireland to India
Lusus, Caerdroia, Troy, Mother Earth
Goddesses
A Maze-like Labyrinth
the Medieval Labyrinth
Mizmazes
From Labyrinth to Maze
Yhe Birth of the Multicursal Maze
The Renaissance Maze
A List of Labyrinths and Mazes
A Maze Revival
Further Reading
Acknowledgements