1. WEEK 2 LECTURE: MYTHS & LEGENDS
HWST 104

2. MYTHOLOGY Mythology is the study of myth.
The term “myth” is often used to refer to a false story. However, the academic use of the term does not pass judgment on truth or falsity.

3. MYTHOLOGY
Mythology is a collection of traditional stories that express the beliefs or values of a group of people
It is the basis for the understanding of our own existence
All cultures have some type of myths
(ie: Greeks, Romans, Native Americans, Maori, etc.)
The same myths can often be found in different parts of the world. For example, creation stories related to plants, animals, and people are common among many cultures.

4. MYTHS
Myths are poetic stories that express a world view and embodies the ideals, beliefs, and dreams of a society. In fact, if a dream is the unconscious expression of an individual reality, then a myth is the collective consciousness of society's dreams
Myths help groups of people identify themselves and define their values. It helps validate social order and provides a moral code by which to live.

5. MYTHS
In other words, by studying myth, a person can learn how a culture thought, lived, and expressed themselves.  HISTORY can tell you facts about a people, but MYTH shows you the personality, their beliefs, fears, and hopes. 

6. MYTHS Myths often explain natural phenomena.
Myths explain universal truths or values using symbols.

7. MYTHS
Myths are spiritual in nature and are meant to instruct/teach the spirit and resonate something within you. They are clues to the spiritual potential of the human life.

8. MYTHS
Myths inform people in the ways of living successfully in a given geography

9. CHARACTERISTICS OF A MYTH
Sacred stories concerning the distant past
Often uses the supernatural to interpret natural events and to explain the basic questions of human existence such as the nature of the universe and humanity
Conveys how to live: assumptions, values, core meanings of individuals, families, communities, and cultures
Often incorporates characters that are non-human such as gods, goddesses, demigods, and supernatural beings.

10. MYTHS
You may encounter different versions of stories. No one can say that one version of a story is “right” and the others “wrong.”
To understand myths, one must look beyond the literal translation. Instead, you should study the symbols and ideas.

11. MYTHS
Characters and symbols in myths can mean different things to different people.
In fact, they can even mean different things to the same person at different times.

12. EXAMPLES OF MYTHS Classic Myths
Pandora’s Box
Homer’s Iliad
Pele & Hi’iaka
Modern-day myths have many components of ancient/classic myths, as in the following:
Star Wars
Lord of the Rings
Whale Rider
Superman
Finding Nemo
Monsters Inc.

13. MYTHOLOGY IN MODERN DAY SOCIETY
Mythology is everywhere! Many companies/groups/corporations take their name, logo or theme from ancient mythology. Below are just a few:
Ajax: Greek warrior in the Trojan war who “cleaned up” in battle (household cleaner)
Apollo: God of music (Apollo Theater)
Nike: Winged goddess of victory who can run and fly at great speeds (shoes/apparel)
Olympus: Home of the Olympian gods (camera company)

14. MYTHOLOGY IN MODERN DAY SOCIETY
There are many words/expressions that are derived from ancient myths
Achilles’ heel
Achilles: Greek hero of the Trojan War who was said to be invulnerable on all his body except for his heel. It is said that he was killed in battle by an arrow to his heel
Midas touch
Midas: King with the golden touch who transformed all he touched into gold
Herculean strength
Hercules: Roman name for Heracles, the greatest Greek hero

15. LEGENDS
Legends are stories handed down through generations that are about the more recent past
Does not incorporate all essential elements of a myth
Often blends facts with improbable elements
Legends may contain references to the gods or accounts of extraordinary or miraculous events , however it generally includes or is based on historical events
Main characters are usually human. The main character is generally a hero who serves as an exemplar or model of behavior for people within a society

16. EXAMPLES OF LEGENDS King Arthur & the Knights of the Round Table
Robin Hood
Atlantis
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Kamehameha & The Naha Stone

17. MYTHS VS. LEGENDS
Considered true sacred stories that happened in the distant past
Main character is often non-human
Story is timeless, events are symbolic
Considered true stories that happened in the more recent past
Main character is usually human
Story told has historical information/value

18. “Myths are clues to the spiritual potentialities of the human life. ”
“Myths are clues to the spiritual potentialities of the human life.” -Joseph Campbell

19. “All of these symbols in myths refer to YOU. ”
“All of these symbols in myths refer to YOU.” Joseph Campbell “If all of these symbols in myth refer to YOU, what could it mean?” -Kaipo Frias

20. “Follow your bliss. When you do,
“Follow your bliss. When you do, doors will open where you would not have thought there would be doors; and where there wouldn't be a door for anyone else.”
-Joseph Campbell