Myths are traditional stories that serve many purposes: What is a myth? Myths are traditional stories that serve many purposes: Myths give meaning to life Myths explain the unexplainable (How did I get here?) Myths explain natural phenomena Myths provide guidelines for living

Myths have…. (according to our discussion) Gods who create the earth, humans and animals--often out of common materials. Gods that have human characteristics Conflict Answers to the questions: Why am I here? Why do things happen? A moral or lesson

Mythic Pattern Situation or Challenge These elements often occur as a mythic pattern. Many myths contain these elements and they occur over and over again. Situation or Challenge Moral or Lesson Main character goes on a journey Resolution: Problem solved Confrontation

CHALLENGE There is usually a problem, situation or challenge that confronts the main character. This is where the main character usually experiences conflict

JOURNEY Very often, the main character embarks on a journey, either to meet the challenge or to solve the problem presented.

CONFRONTATION The situation or challenge is resolved by the main character. Here, the main character finds the answers, defeats an enemy, or learns something essential.

RESOLUTION The mythic character solves the problem and thus, the myth is concluded.

LESSON OR MORAL There is a lesson or “moral to the story”. In its conclusion, the myth provides us with an answer, an explanation, or an important idea.

Mythic Pattern Review Purposes of myth include……… Often, these occur in a mythic cycle. Many myths have a mythic pattern. The mythic pattern often contains these: __________ _________ __________