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on Kindle   p. 65  III. The Interpretation of the Myths  A
CURSORY review of these variegated hero myths forcibly brings
out a series of uniformly common features, with a typical
groundwork, from which a standard saga, as it were, may be
constructed. This schedule corresponds approximately to the
ideal human skeleton that is constantly seen, with minor
deviations, on transillumination of figures that outwardly
differ from one another. The individual traits of the several
myths, and especially the apparently crude variations from the
prototype, can be entirely elucidated only by myth
interpretation.  The standard saga itself may be formulated
according to the following outline: The hero is the child of
most distinguished parents, usually the son of a king. His
origin is preceded by difficulties, such as continence, or
prolonged barrenness, or secret intercourse of the parents due
to external prohibition or obstacles. During or before the
pregnancy