The Pre-eminence of the Oak, Pine-tree, and Mugw

Name: The Pre-eminence of the Oak, Pine-tree, and Mugwort
Author: Basil Hall Chamberlain

The book explores the symbolism and significance of three plants - oak, pine, and mugwort - in various cultures and belief systems. It delves into their mythological, religious, and cultural associations, as well as their practical uses in medicine, magic, and everyday life. Chamberlain's work provides a comprehensive overview of the pre-eminence of these plants across different societies and time periods, offering insights into the human fascination with nature and its potential for spiritual and magical significance.

By Basil Hall Chamberlain · First published 1925 · Genre: Non-fiction, Botany, Nature · 147 words

First lines

At the beginning of the world the ground was very hot. The ground was so hot that the creatures called men even got their feet burnt. For this reason, no tree or herb could grow. The only herb that grew at that time was the mugwort. Of trees, the only ones were the oak and the pine. For this reason, these two trees are the oldest among trees. Among herbs, it is the mugwort. This being so, these two trees are divine trees; they are trees which human beings worship. Among herbs, the mugwort is considered to be truly the oldest.

Listen well to this, too, you younger folks!

(Translated literally. Told by Penri, 19th July, 1886.)

What this Textopian page supports

The Pre-eminence of the Oak, Pine-tree, and Mugwort is listed on Textopian as a fable by Basil Hall Chamberlain, dated 1925 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Fable
Author: Basil Hall Chamberlain
Date: 1925 CE
Language: English
Genres: Non-fiction, Botany, Nature, Ecology, Environmental Science
Length: 147 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Pre-eminence of the Oak, Pine-tree, and Mugwort by Basil Hall Chamberlain
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Pre-eminence of the Oak, Pine-tree, and Mugwort?
How does this fable by Basil Hall Chamberlain fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Non-fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Non-fiction — The book's title appears to refer to real species of trees and plants, indicating a real-world subject matter typically associated with non-fiction.
Botany — The mentioning of specific plant types such as oak, pine, and mugwort suggests a focus on botany.
Nature — The specific tree and plant detail reflects a relation to nature.
Ecology — The book could potentially focus on these plants' roles and interactions within their ecosystems.