Mythology http://getasword.com/blog/391-celtic-gods-list-of-celtic-gods-and-goddesses/

Defining Myths Every culture has its own myths A myth is a story used within a culture to explain the origins of life, death, cultural rites, etc. They are often closely tied with religion, as they address sacred mysteries. Main characters can be human heroes, but are often gods or supernatural beings Every culture has its own myths http://goddessesandgod.blogspot.com/

“Myths are stories about beginnings.” Myths answer questions that are sacred BIG questions, like the meaning of life, how the world came into being, why people die, and why the world is as it is. Folktales and other such stories are more commonplace. They are usually told to entertain an audience, not to explain things. Legends are a major type of folktale. Tall tales, fables, and fairy tales are also included under this umbrella.

The truth of Myths In common usage, something “mythical” is something that doesn’t really exist. It is synonymous with “imaginary.” ***This is NOT the case in an academic discussion of mythology. “Myth” is a classification term for a particular type of story, and it isn’t meant as a comment on factuality. http://www6.miami.edu/sharklab/news_mythbusters.html

Folktales are not religious Features include: Magic, enchantments Gods are not main characters Heroes are usually common people, not gods or demigods There may be a lesson, or moral, but this doesn’t define folktales. http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/gask/tales/tales.html

Legends Legends are usually believed to be historical facts http://popculturepanda.blogspot.com/2010/12/did-king-arthur-really-exist.html Legends are usually believed to be historical facts Sometimes they are highly embellished While miracles and fantastical things may happen, they are considered to be in the realm of possibility http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vlad_III_Dracula http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bigfoot

What about Fairy Tales? http://novelnovice.com/2011/08/04/sweetly-a-lesson-in-classic-fairy-tales/ Unlike myths or legends, fairy tales and folktales aren’t usually intended to be true They typically involve magic (but not necessarily fairies!) They can express a culture’s values, or make moral statements, but they are entirely imaginary http://xahlee.org/p/sex_in_little_red_riding_hood.html http://www.disneylandpostcards.com/Cinderella-autograph.html http://abookwithoutpages.blogspot.com/2010/12/jack-and-beanstalk.html

Why should we care about myths? “Archetype: A pattern or model that serves as the basis for different, but related, versions of a character, plot, or theme” (WL 9). Recurring patterns across cultures and mythologies These repetitions exist because they are so powerful—even now! Flood stories, Golden Age, some creation myths, tragic love (R&J) http://www.shoreregional.org

minwook12.wordpress.com maicar.com movies.yahoo.com comicslounge.wordpress.com getmovielink.com

Creation Myth Jigsaw In your groups of four: 1. Summarize the plot. 2. Describe the traits or powers of the main character(s). 3. What stories seem similar to this? What cultures are they from? 4. What beliefs or values are revealed? 5. Highlight or underline all key points, being careful only to underline phrases, not whole sentences or paragraphs.