1. Characteristics of Myth
generally outside of time
. . . has inherent authority (it explains, but not in an apologetic way)
. . . presents paradigms of life
. . . is often enacted in rituals
. . . though not designed purely for entertainment, myth does entertain!

2. Why Study Myth?
Myth is important to all cultures, and often tends to undergird or drive folk religions
Myth provides a repository (or “library”) for cultural beliefs that can help us:
Understand the values of the culture
Locate “contact points” for witness
Discern felt needs within the culture

3. North American Myth Traditional folklore
Hansel and Gretel
Cinderella
Snow White
Hollywood: generator of myth . . .
Star Wars and “the force”
The Matrix and the illusion of “reality” and need for a savior
Christian myth
Chronicles of Narnia
Lord of the Rings
The Left Behind series

4. Themes found in Myth Heroism Sacrifice Brokenness Redemption Love
Success
Coming of age
Loss