The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religon

Sir James Frazer covers a lot of mythological ground in his book, and was one of the first to offer good solid rational understanding encompassing myth and legend. One principal area of discussion is what Joseph Campbell calls the "Hero Cycle." Frazer goes to the root of the hero cycle by explaining where and how the cults began. In one example, Frazer describes a fight or challenge where the champion/husband/king is slain by the challenger. The formula requires the hero to defeat the queen's husband/knight/king before he can enter the goddess's chamber. Clearly the test of the kingship relies on his ability to remain strong and worthy as the priestess's consort. This is fully expressed by Frazer in the kingship rites at Nemi: