Mythology

Major Purposes of Unit Mythology created because man (any time, any place) wanted answers to the unknown. A myth is a story that attempts to give meaning to the mysteries of the world; passed along through word of mouth as stories and songs.

Major Purposes of Unit A myth is an explanation of something in nature; how, for instance, anything and everything in the universe came into existence We ALL have traditions; Mythology is spread through EVERY culture. We will use Greek Mythology as our major example because of allusions in literature and culture today.

How Myths Began For at least 2,000 years, scholars have speculated how myths began. Some believe: –Myths began as historical events that became distorted over time –Myths are man’s attempt to explain natural occurrences that they could not understand –Myths justify social and individual conventions of the people of their time

What Myths Tell Us about Society Myths are collective representations of the institutions and values of that society or important parts within it. These representations determine how the individuals in the society act and think.

Influence of Mythology Geography, climate, government, and other societal aspects influence the myths of various people. Despite the differences related to these factors, all myths have certain features in common. –For example, a recent study of the fairy tale Cinderella showed that there are over 400 hundred variations of the same tale.

Distinctive Qualities of Greek Myth A world view that places human consciousness squarely at the center of the universe, humanism asserts the value of the individual human being. Greek authors portray their gods very much like themselves through anthropomorphism, or ascribing human form to supernatural beings.

Chief Contributors of Mythology Homer (Greek, 8 th Century BC) Hesiod (Greek, 8 th Century BC) Virgil (Roman, 1 st Century BC) Ovid (Roman, 1 st Century BC-AD)

Types of Myths Folk Tale: usually told for pleasure (NOT factual), and deals with lesser people (common folk) and witches, elves, fairies, etc.. Fable: takes an abstract idea and makes it understandable to the masses. Teaches a lesson.

Types of Myths Cont Romance: larger than life hero. Love story in which the hero pursues happiness or a woman. Fairy Tale: addresses internal problems; the quest to overcome the self. Not factual.

Types of Myths Cont. Parable: similar to fable, but from the Bible (Jesus). Allegory:expression by means of symbolic fictional figures and actions of truth or generalizations about human existence.

Types of Myths Cont. Saga: Collections of a narratives about a particular city or family, such as the interconnected tales about Troy and Thebes. Legend: a tradition that has some nucleus of historical truth, as opposed to an account that is entirely fictional.

Types of Heroes Monster Slayer: most primitive type. Kills monsters and makes the world better (ie Bilbo) Pure Hero: fights for personal glory and fame, no matter the cause; no fear of death; lives to die in battle (ie Achilles). Noble Warrior: fights for a dying, but illuminated culture; knows he is doomed (ie King Arthur).

Types of Heroes Conqueror: fights to establish a kingship or build a city (ie Caesar). Metaphysical: fights forces within himself (ie Gilgamesh of Babylonia)

The Hero Physical vs. Mental Abilities Heroic Saga: prose narrative of historic or legendary figures Quest: a chivalrous enterprise in medieval romance usually involving an adventurous journey

Characteristics of a Hero Unusual origins Extraordinary Performs a difficult task (quest) Powerful enemies Enemies force hero to do additional tasks Can work miracles

Characteristics of a Hero Helped by powerful friends; not always human (advice, weapons) Suffering ends in disaster Because of this disaster, he may die but he will achieve greater glory after death Will leave the world better than he found it

Three Stages of a Hero Separation: decision to embark; leave “known” world Initiation: the quest itself Return: “reborn”; makes new knowledge known to others