An American anthropologist and academic who studied mythology and folklore, particularly Indo-European mythology, and developed the "Eurasian" theory of mythological origins.
C. Scott Littleton was a renowned American anthropologist, celebrated for his groundbreaking work on Indo-European mythology and Shinto. As a leading expert in the field, Littleton was instrumental in popularizing the theories of French scholar Georges Dumézil, introducing his trifunctional hypothesis to an English-speaking audience.
Born on July 1, 1933, in Los Angeles, California, Littleton grew up in Hermosa Beach, California. The son of Covington Scott, an investigator and writer, and Adelaide Littleton, he demonstrated a strong sense of adventure from a young age, lying about his age to join the United States Army during the Korean War.
After returning from service, Littleton attended El Camino College from 1952 to 1954, before enrolling at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He graduated with highest honors in 1957, earning his M.A. in 1962, and Ph.D. in anthropology in 1965. Littleton's academic achievements earned him the distinction of being the Graduate Commencement Speaker at UCLA in 1965.
Littleton's 1965 Ph.D. dissertation, "The New Comparative Mythology: An Anthropological Assessment of the Theories of Georges Dumézil," was published in 1966 and remains a seminal work in the field. His research focused on disseminating Dumézil's theories, which posited that ancient Indo-European societies were organized into three distinct social classes: priests, warriors, and farmers.
As a professor and chair of the Department of Anthropology at Occidental College, Littleton inspired generations of students and scholars. He was a prolific author, publishing numerous works on Indo-European mythology and Shinto, including "The Sacred Marriage: The Hieros Gamos in Comparative Perspective" and "Shinto: A Short History."
C. Scott Littleton's tireless efforts to promote Indo-European studies and Shinto research have left an indelible mark on the field of anthropology. His work continues to influence scholars, inspiring new research and insights into the ancient cultures of Europe and Asia.
Throughout his distinguished career, Littleton received numerous honors and awards, including the Graduate Commencement Speaker award at UCLA in 1965. He was a respected member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Indo-European Studies and a prominent figure in the academic community.
C. Scott Littleton's remarkable life and work continue to inspire new generations of scholars, ensuring his legacy as a pioneering anthropologist and champion of Indo-European studies.
Born in 1858
Pioneering anthropologist and linguist who challenged prevailing racial and cultural stereotypes, establishing modern anthropology and contributing significantly to our understanding of human diversity and cultural relativity.
Born in 1901
A pioneering anthropologist and author who studied and wrote about diverse cultures, shedding light on human behavior and societal norms. Her groundbreaking work continues to influence modern anthropology and beyond.
Born in 1908
A founder of modern anthropology, known for structuralism and deciphering the underlying patterns of human culture and society. His work bridges the gap between sociology, psychology, and philosophy.
Born in 1902
Developed the concept of "cultural ecology," which explores how cultures adapt to their environments, and is known for his work on Native American societies.
95 Years Old
A renowned cultural anthropologist who challenged Western notions of history, culture, and economics through his work on Pacific Island societies and the concept of "structuralism".
