1. RELG 212 God(s), Kings and Wise Men: Near Eastern Myths and the Hebrew Bible Dr Niall Christie Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 10:30-11:00 am and 2:00-2:30 pm, or by appointment Copy of outline (and downloadable slides) on the web at: <http://www.geocities.com/niallchristie/ RELG212outline.html>

2. Approach: Academic (objectives, motives, techniques, etc.) Consider: Relation of text to environment Remember: Only reading representative selections

3. mythos - originally anything delivered by word of mouth; later associated with sacred or divine tradition as opposed to: epos - human narration logos - word as rational construction Two current uses1. Fanciful tale of “myth”2. Primal state of things

4. Myths are real to those who believe in them. Religions originate in mythic language. Myths transcend time and have present relevance. Myths are not bound by human limitations. Various real-life applications, such as organising time and space, use in rituals, etc.