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The author writes briefly but with no false modesty. He dismisses the mythological theories of 'naturalism' (the interpretation of myths in relation to natural phenomena) and that of psycho-analysis which, he says, is now losing its adherents, since the mechanism of repression and the Oedipus complex demonstrably occur in morbid mental states only. Following Levy-Brühl and other ethnologists he goes on to an exposition of the ideas on which the myth of the hero is based: (a) 'compensation', 'according to primitive beliefs a kind of general law of the universe, to which all living beings are subject'; it has its origin in 'the direct contact of man with his environment' and what it amounts to is that 'every happiness, every advantage … must be paid for with toil, sacrifice and suffering'; (b) retribution, a special form of compensation, originating in the mutual contact of human beings and, as far as I can see, identical with the law of talion. Both these ideas are applicable to the individual as a member of the clan, so that the destiny of each human being is bound up with that of the group or of another member of the group. The humiliation of the youthful hero (possibly by his exposure in infancy) is the necessary preliminary to his future success, and the parricide and incest of Oedipus are the tragic expiation of his kingship.