Download Introduction to Mythology

Introduction to
Mythology
What it is and what it does
What is Mythology?
• Mythology, like other “ologies,” is the study
of something. Of course, it is the study of
myth.
• Well then, what is a “myth?”
A myth is…
A myth is a story used to explain one or more
of three basic things:
1. Natural Phenomena
2. Social Customs/Tradition
3. Human Behavior
TO EXPLAIN NATURAL
PHENOMENA
Cosmological Function of Myth
• Explains…
• Creation and extinction
• Storms, weather,
geological functions, the
sun and moon
• Agricultural/fertility
cycles
• The seasons
TO EXPLAIN SOCIAL
SYSTEMS
Sociological Function of Myth
•
•
•
•
Traditions
Changes in ruler or ruling class
Dietary rules/forbidden customs
Changes in the status of
particular groups (such as
women)
• Relationships among nations
TO EXPLAIN HUMAN
BEHAVIOR
Humanistic Function of Myth
• Explains elements of
human nature such as:
• Hopes, beliefs,
aspirations
• Pride, envy, ambition,
honor, trust,
generosity, love, etc.
Two important elements of myth
• There are two elements that apply pretty
much across the board to myths:
• 1. Supernatural Elements
• 2. Anthropomorphic Elements
SUPERNATURAL ELEMENTS
Myths deal with gods and
superhuman heroes
(individuals with abilities
beyond those of ordinary
mortals.)
Which is very
important. But, in the
words of a famous
Greek…
“Wisdom begins with sense.”
- Aristotle
Which simply means that as
humans, our sensual experience
of the world is what defines
everything! What we see, touch,
taste, hear, and smell is what
allows us to understand the
world.
Which of course brings us to…
ANTHROPOMORPHIC
ELEMENTS
• Myths explain things in
away that makes sense to
humans
• The supernatural is
directly involved in
human experience
• Even gods have human
emotions and are
motivated by human
desires like lust, envy,
revenge, etc.
Urban legends, Folklore, & Myth
Urban
Legends
Stories with a
plot, supposedly
current and true,
based on
contemporary
reality, “could
happen to you.”
Folklore
Stories passed
down via oral
and written
record,
superstitious,
didactic,
pointed lesson
Mythology
Stories that
explain the
origins of man,
social customs,
and human
behavior.
So what do they have in
common?
?
Common Elements of Urban
Legend, Folklore/Fairy Tales,
and Myth:
• Oral and written heritage
• Can teach us about people - history,
customs, culture, etc.
• Carry warnings and moral lessons