1. The King of the Wood: The book begins with the story of the King of the Wood, a mythological figure who rules a sacred grove and is believed to possess divine power. Frazer uses this motif to explore the concept of the sacred king or priest-king, whose life and ritual death are integral to maintaining the well-being of society.
2. Magic and Religion: Frazer argues that magic and religion are two distinct, yet interconnected phenomena in primitive societies. Magic, based on the principles of similarity and contagion, is seen as an attempt to manipulate and control natural and supernatural forces. Religion, on the other hand, involves propitiating or worshiping higher powers, such as gods or spirits.
3. Sympathetic Magic: Frazer delves into the concept of sympathetic magic, a central theme throughout the book. Sympathetic magic is based on the belief that like produces like, and an effect resembles its cause. For example, a person who wanted rain might perform a ritual involving water to symbolically "cause" rainfall.
4. Taboos and Totems: Frazer discusses taboos, social restrictions that are believed to carry supernatural consequences, and totems, objects or animals representing and often revered by clans or communities. These concepts are linked to the notion of the sacred and its significance in primitive cultures.
5. The Dying God: Frazer examines the myth of the dying god, a recurring theme in ancient religions. He suggests that the death and resurrection or rebirth of such deities symbolize the cycle of nature, the changing seasons, and the continuity of life.
6. Scapegoats and Rituals: The book explores the idea of scapegoats, individuals or animals who are symbolically burdened with the sins or misfortunes of a community and then expelled or sacrificed. These rituals aimed to cleanse or revitalize the community by transferring negative elements to the scapegoat.
"The Golden Bough" is a seminal work in the field of cultural anthropology, influential in the study of comparative religion and the development of modern thought on the origins and evolution of human beliefs and practices.