Basic Myth Terms

Projection of human features or qualities onto the divine Anthropomorphic Projection of human features or qualities onto the divine

An original model on which similar things are patterned Archetype An original model on which similar things are patterned

gods are busy with themselves. They are role models, not helpers Indifferent gods are busy with themselves. They are role models, not helpers

Earliest cultures dominated by female goddess & therefore Matriarchal Earliest cultures dominated by female goddess & therefore female rulers. Were involved in agriculture

The set of all the gods of a particular mythology. Pantheon The set of all the gods of a particular mythology.

Later cultures dominated by male gods and were more warlike Patriarchal Later cultures dominated by male gods and were more warlike

Sympathetic gods are interested in humans. They are looking to be worshipped or are altruistic.

Depiction of a divine power in animal form Theriomorphic Depiction of a divine power in animal form

What you’ve read as Mythology that isn’t a myth. . .

A fictitious story making a moral point often using animal characters Fables A fictitious story making a moral point often using animal characters

The Tortoise and The Hare- Moral: Slow and steady wins the race

Made for entertainment Help people get past where they are stuck Fairy Tales The child’s myth Made for entertainment Help people get past where they are stuck For example-girls do not want to grow up so there is a prince that comes and rescues them

Jack and The Beanstalk-get rich quick like the lotto

Folklore The remnants of traditions, practices, rituals, tales from an earlier stage of a society or civilization

Santa, fairies

having existed or occurred Folktale Completely fictional Although the stories may be highly instructive, the characters and events are not accepted as having existed or occurred

American folk talkes, Big Foot

So. . . . What is a myth???

Myth A sacred story set in pre-history that teaches about creation, life, & destruction. It may also create a moral code for the people. Question on final