A myth is a traditional story that serves to explain some phenomenon of nature. Almost every culture has a mythology! Mythology is a body or collection of myths belonging to a culture of people.

What is a myth? There is not one single definition that completely explains the term “myth.” A myth is a story based on tradition and is usually fictional. It represents the beliefs and experiences of the culture. Myths often attempt to explain the mysteries of life.

The word “myth” comes from the Greek word “mythos,” which means “word of mouth.”

Gods are supernatural immortals having special powers over the lives of humans and the course of nature. A female god is a goddess. A demi-god is a lesser god, a minor deity; the offspring of a human being and a god or goddess.

A mortal is someone who will eventually die. Gods are immortal; they are deathless, living forever. A hero is a man of great strength and courage, favored by the gods and partly descended from them - often worshipped after death.

A prophecy is a prediction of the future under the influence of divine guidance. A deity is a god or goddess. Supernatural means existing or occurring outside the normal experience or knowledge of man; not explainable by the known forces or laws of nature; attributed to a god.

Most myths have shared common characteristics.

Volcanoes and earthquakes are a result of the fire-breathing giants, who were buried under the earth by the gods, heaving and struggling to free themselves. Natural phenomena are explained in most myths.

Zeus controlled the skies, Hades controlled the Underworld, and Poseidon ruled the seas. Since we have many natural phenomena to explain, a huge cast of characters is required. Many gods are used in each myth.

Aphrodite wanted all to feel the pangs of love. Cupid shot his arrows to make people fall in love. Human emotions are part of the gods’ character.

Pegasus could fly. Hermes had winged feet and a winged cap. Magic is a major part of myths.

Prometheus was punished for stealing fire from the gods and giving it to men. Good is rewarded and evil is punished.

An ALLUSION is a casual reference to something. It is only used when the speaker or writer assumes that the reader is culturally literate enough to understand the reference. Allusions are used to communicate meaning. Studying mythology increases our cultural literacy. Cultural literacy is a knowledge and understanding of the world in which you live.

Mythological allusions are in our literature - “He shall present Hercules in minority. His enter and exit shall be strangling a snake.” Love’s Labor’s Lost (Act 5, Scene 1) William Shakespeare “strength”

Mythological allusions are in our schools - The Newman Smith Trojans The Minnesota Spartans “determined” “courage”

Mythological allusions are in our cities - Athens, Georgia Ceres, California “a cultural center” “strong crops” Neptune Beach, Florida “the sea”

Mythological allusions are in our products - Nike shoes “speed” Ajax cleaner “rescuer” Amazon.com “powerful”