1. Mythology & Bible

2.  Oral tradition means thousands of storytellers.  It doesn’t mean one version is incorrect; instead, writers have made judgments to create new art out of old stories and themes.

3.  Well, sort of. They wanted to be ruled by imagination as much as by reason.  Myths are a way of making sense of nature and of man.

4.  Very few believed in life after death; therefore, myths encourage people to live life to the fullest.  The only answer to death is to lead an awesome life.

5.  Reputation, honor, vengeance: these traits also found in gods. Urge for fame means being ambitious for strength, beauty, intelligence.  This drive also created flaws such as pride and rashness.

6.  Example: Why does the sun move across the sky? Because some deity is pushing it.  Example: Maybe the gods will favor you.

7.  Legends used as propaganda to support existing social structure.  Stories establish cultural values.  Heroes promote excellence and strength: (1) slay monsters (2) find glory in death (3) fight for new civilization (4) fight one’s own flaws.

8.  No pretense of being factual.  Entertain with travelers’ tales and magic.  If we know they’re fake, why tell these stories?  Stories are memorable and better at showing values than a speech or essay.

9.  After monsters (and political foes) have been defeated, heroes sometimes fight for love.

10.  Authors since the Middle Ages (500 CE) have used allusions; cannot appreciate works of literature without knowing allusions.  Other artists (painters, sculptors, filmmakers) reference myths.  How did the world look before scientific reasoning?

11.  Egyptian (Ra/Isis)  Babylonian (Gilgamesh epic)  Indian (Indra, Mitra)  Norse (Odin, Thor)  Common motifs: creation, flood, quest

12.  Don’t confuse faith and literature.  Allusions to Bible usually do NOT reflect Christian faith.

13.  Universal shared culture  Because the connotations are strong for many people. Just don’t get offended by how the images can be intentionally corrupted.