C Scott Littleton

Covington Scott Littleton (1933-2010) was an American anthropologist and professor at Occidental College, known for his extensive work on comparative mythology, particularly Indo-European traditions, and Shinto. He played a significant role in introducing the theories of Georges Dumézil to English-speaking scholars through his doctoral dissertation and subsequent publications. Littleton held several academic positions at Occidental College, including Chair of the Department of Anthropology, and was a co-founder and Mythology Editor of the Journal of Indo-European Studies. His academic career spanned several decades, during which he authored numerous articles, books, and reviews on his areas of expertise. He also published a personal memoir and a science fiction novel. Littleton's scholarly contributions were recognized through various accolades, and he was a member of numerous academic organizations. He passed away in 2010 following complications from heart surgery.

C. Scott Littleton dedicated his academic career to the study of anthropology, with a particular focus on religion, mythology, and folklore. He earned his advanced degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, culminating in a Ph.D. in 1965. His doctoral dissertation, later published as 'The New Comparative Mythology,' was instrumental in disseminating the complex theories of Georges Dumézil, especially his trifunctional hypothesis, to a wider English-speaking audience. Littleton's work on Dumézil is considered a foundational resource. He held a long-standing academic position at Occidental College, rising through the ranks to become Professor and Chair of the Department of Anthropology. His research interests extended to Indo-European mythology and Shinto, subjects on which he authored a substantial body of work.

Beyond his academic roles, Littleton was a co-founder of the Journal of Indo-European Studies, serving as its Mythology Editor from 2000 until his death. This journal became a significant platform for scholarship in his fields of interest. His prolific output included hundreds of articles, reviews, and monographs, demonstrating a deep engagement with his subjects. Notable among his publications are works that explore comparative mythology, King Arthur legends, and the intricacies of Shinto. He also ventured into creative writing, authoring a personal memoir and a science fiction novel, showcasing a broader range of literary interests. His scholarly achievements were recognized through various honors, including being a Fulbright Scholar and a member of Phi Beta Kappa.