Max Müller: the story on HearLore

Max Müller

Friedrich Max Müller was born on the 6th of December 1823 in Dessau, Germany. His father Wilhelm Müller wrote lyrics that Franz Schubert set to music for his famous song cycles Die schöne Müllerin and Winterreise. The composer Carl Maria von Weber served as a godfather to the young boy. This musical heritage shaped the early years of a child who would eventually abandon music for language. He entered the gymnasium at age six and moved to Leipzig at twelve to live with Carl Gustav Carus. There he studied music and classics while frequently meeting Felix Mendelssohn. A scholarship struggle led him to sit for an abitur examination at Zerbst. He had to rapidly learn mathematics and modern languages to pass. He entered Leipzig University in 1841 to study philology instead of music. He received his Ph.D. degree in September 1843 with a dissertation on Spinoza's Ethics.

The Rigveda And Nature Worship

Müller moved to Paris in 1845 to study Sanskrit under Eugène Burnouf. Burnouf encouraged him to publish the complete Rigveda using manuscripts available in England. He traveled to London to examine documents held by the British East India Company. He persuaded the company to allow him to undertake a critical edition of the Rig-Veda between 1849 and 1874. He translated the Rigveda Samhita from Sanskrit into English based on the work of Sayanacharya. Müller viewed the gods of the Rig-Veda as active forces of nature rather than fully personified beings. He derived a theory that mythology is a disease of language. This meant concepts became transformed into imagined personalities over time. The Indo-European father-god appears under names like Zeus or Jupiter which trace back to Dyaus meaning shining. He believed the Vedic scriptures offered the key to understanding pagan European religions. His approach linked language development directly to belief systems and emotional communion with natural forces.

When and where was Friedrich Max Müller born?

Friedrich Max Müller was born on the 6th of December 1823 in Dessau, Germany. He entered Leipzig University in 1841 to study philology instead of music.

What major work did Max Müller complete between 1849 and 1874?

Max Müller completed a critical edition of the Rig-Veda between 1849 and 1874. He translated the Rigveda Samhita from Sanskrit into English based on the work of Sayanacharya.

Which professorship did Max Müller hold at Oxford University until his death?

Max Müller held the position of first professor of comparative philology at Oxford University until his death. He received this chair in 1868 though he retired from active duties in 1875.

How many Gifford Lectures did Max Müller deliver at the University of Glasgow?

Max Müller delivered four distinct courses over the next four years between 1888 and 1892. These lectures formed the first annual series given across Scottish universities continuing to the present day.

When did Max Müller die and where was he interred?

Max Müller died at his home in Oxford on the 28th of October 1900. He was interred at Holywell Cemetery on the 1st of November 1900.

Max Müller

The Rigveda And Nature Worship

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Common questions

When and where was Friedrich Max Müller born?

What major work did Max Müller complete between 1849 and 1874?

Which professorship did Max Müller hold at Oxford University until his death?

How many Gifford Lectures did Max Müller deliver at the University of Glasgow?

When did Max Müller die and where was he interred?

Oxford Professor Of Comparative Philology

Four Series On Natural Religion

Accusations Of Anti-Christianity And Evolution

Aryan Classifications And Turanian Languages

Honours Naturalization And Family Life

Death Memorial And Enduring Influence