Outline Popularly referred to as the father of modern anthropology, James George Frazer is one of the most celebrated social anthropologists in modern times. Born a Scot in 1854, Frazer has contributed immensely to anthropology through his comparative studies in mythology and comparative religion. One of his most celebrated works The Golden Bough dwells on magic, religion and science as the process through which human belief system develops. The aim of this research paper is to evaluate Frazer’s contribution to anthropology. To achieve this aim, the research adopted the archival methods of research. This method involved browsing over numerous archives constituting Frazer’s works in comparative religion. The method was necessitated by the theoretical nature of the topic. Furthermore, much of the data from which this research borrows is historical and exists in books and archived media. In view of this, it would not have been possible to conduct research through any other method. To meet the requirement of this research, the following question seemed relevant: What is Frazer’s contribution to anthropology? Responding to this question required a keen evaluation of Frazer’s works. This research paper attempts to trace the development of human belief system through Frazer’s chronology (magic, religion and science). The development of human belief system from savagery to science (implicitly seen as the process of intellectual development of man) is critically evaluated Vis a Vis other famous philosophies such as the myth theory. By highlighting the three stage theory, the research paper downplays the role of myth in influencing the development of human belief system, and concludes that magic, religion and science, rather than myths have significantly influenced development of belief system. Introduction The formation of the belief systems within human societies progresses through three sequential stages; magic, religion and science. To begin with, beliefs are primarily formed around primitive magic, but with time develop to religion. This implies that magic is the platform on which religion thrives. Magic does not just happen but develops out of the recognition of natural laws. The recognition of the power of the natural laws slowly led to development of religion. Within these laws, man develops certain attitudes on nature and other living beings. The application of natural law brings up the issue of the legitimacy. Those laws that shine light on truth are taken to be legitimate and are referred to as science. On the contrary, those laws that do not shine light on perceived truths are considered to be illegitimate and thus taken to be magic. Frazer’s assertions discount the role of myths in formation of people’s beliefs. However, his school of thought has been critiqued by the likes of Houlden (2003) whose views on religion especially on the concept of transference of evil, greatly contradict Frazer’s. Furthermore, Scapo (2005) in opposition to Frazer’s works argues that myths, as carried by mythbearers, enable communities to formulate a system of beliefs from which they draw daily inspiration. Magic, religion and science Frazer (1911) asserts that magic is the birth mother of modern and ancient religion. Frazer referred to magic as confused ideas about transcendental powers through which ideas are illogically co