因「圖騰」（totem）觀念所派生出來的各種與圖騰相關的理論，在西方學術研究中自有其背景與依據。從比較文化的角度視之，以圖騰理論研究中國神話確實不失為一具有價值之途徑。但是如果將圖騰理論過度引申或加以誤解，則恐怕會有千里之謬。本文由圖騰理論的引進與中國神話研究的緣起入手，以中國古典神話中的感生神話與變形神話作為主要討論範疇，反省圖騰理論與中國神話詮釋之間的關係。本文的主要目的，並非否定圖騰理論的價值，而是從神話詮釋的角度，認為目前以圖騰理論研究中國古典神話，確實缺乏一些合適的條件，尤其是缺乏許多相關的資料來作為佐證，因此在運用圖騰理論的時機與態度上，還需要‧鍾宗憲：「圖騰」理論的運用與神話詮釋－以感生神話與變形神話為例‧保留再思考的空間。

The various theories developed from the concept of totemism are well grounded in Western studies of mythology. For the benefit of cultural comparison, the applicatioin of a group of totemic theories on certain Chinese myth indeed provides valuable methodology. However, the over-application, even misunderstanding, of totemic theories may exist and cause great fallacies. This paper discusses the introduction of totemic theories into the study of Chinese mythology with foci on sympathetic birth and metamorphoses, and therefore reviews the relationship between totemic theories and the interpretation of Chinese mythology. The purpose of this paper is not to negate the value of totemic theories, but to point out that, in order to interpret Chinese myth with those theories, we still need more supporting materials.Therefore, the timing should be reconsidered, and the attitude should be be more reserved.