The Problem of the Puer Aeternus

The Problem of the Puer Aeternus by von Franz, Marie-Louise. paperback edition. ISBN: 9780919123885.

The Latin term puer aeternus, meaning eternal youth, derives from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, in which it is applied to the child-god Iacchus in the Eleusinian mysteries. In later times the child-god was identified with Dionysus and the god Eros. In Jungian psychology the term puer aeternus is commonly used to describe a certain type of man—charming, affectionate, creative and ever in pursuit of his dreams. These are the men who remain adolescent well into their adult years, generally full of life yet strangely draining to those around them. We have worked with them, loved them and watched them wave good-bye. It is impossible to overstate the influence on both men and women of It is impossible to overstate the influence on both men and women of this classic study, originally a series of lectures at the Zürich Jung Institute. It is Jungian psychology in its most down-to-earth voice, telling it like it is so accurately and with such a depth of understanding that it is still much in demand even though it has been out of print for many years. This new edition features a Bibliography and an extensive Index.