1. HU300: Myth Welcome to our third seminar! We will begin on time. Feel free to chat until then

2. Finding inspiration Old myths, old gods, old heroes have never died. They are only sleeping at the bottom of our mind, waiting for our call. We have need for them. They represent the wisdom of our race. –Stanley KunitzOld myths, old gods, old heroes have never died. They are only sleeping at the bottom of our mind, waiting for our call. We have need for them. They represent the wisdom of our race.

3. Unit 3 Work Read the chapter “Myth and the Origin of the Humanities” in The Art of Being Human. Discussion Board – Answer the questions and post responses to at least two classmates. – Notice that there are 2 threads this week, so you’ll post a total of 6 messages (2 original, 4 peer responses). You do not have a formal project due this week!

4. What is a myth? “a traditional story of unknown authorship, ostensibly with a historical basis, but serving usually to explain some phenomenon of nature, the origin of humanity, or the customs, religious rites, etc., of a people” (textbook, p. 43).

5. Archetypes “Archetypes are mythic characters, events, symbols, and buried assumptions transmitted from one generation to another through what Jung labeled the collective unconscious” (text, p. 44). – Myths similar across cultures Spread along trade routes Scientific explanations for flood stories Myths reflect common needs/human condition

6. Archetypes What are some examples of archetypes we encounter in myths?

7. Examples of Archetypes Hero Magic Language Numbers Circle Journey Garden Greek Gods

8. Myth in Contemporary Culture Where do you see these archetypes in our culture? Can you give specific examples?

9. Wizards and Mysterious Strangers Chapter 3 discusses the myths of the wizard and the mysterious stranger. Are these outmoded now? Still relevant? Found but in different forms?

10. Myth as Explanation How was/is myth used to explain?

11. Myth as Explanation Scientific mysteries Creation Evil, disasters, and human suffering

12. Myths as Coping Mechanisms Childhood myths and fairytales How do these help us cope? What kinds of values do they impart? Can you give specific examples? What are the advantages and disadvantages? How does myth transmit cultural values? Are there other ways to do so?

13. Myths and Childhood Need for reassurance Attractiveness and wealth Importance of names Darkness and violence Myth and psychology: Bruno Bettelheim

14. Childhood Myths What were your favorite childhood myths or fairytales? Why? Do you think fairytales can be damaging to children (violence, gender roles, racial or social stereotypes, etc)?

15. Why do we study myth? Part of general knowledge— understanding allusions to myth. Show us how those before us explained the world around us Entertainment and enjoyment Important relationship between myth and the humanities Inspiration for literature, music, and art

16. Myth Myth affects the world around us Myths affect how we see ourselves and our society Many sayings and popular beliefs have their origins in myth. Myth is embedded in our language

17. “Leda and the Swan” by William Butler Yeats A sudden blow: the great wings beating still Above the staggering girl, her thighs caressed By the dark webs, her nape caught in his bill He holds her helpless breast upon breast. How can those terrified vague fingers push The feathered glory from her loosening thighs? And how can body, laid in that white rush, But feel the strange heart beating where it lies? A shudder in the loins engenders there The broken wall, the burning roof and tower And Agamemnon dead. Being so caught up, So mastered by the brute blood of the air, Did she put on his knowledge with his power Before the indifferent beak could let her drop? (1924)

18. The Show is Over! Please email me with any questions or concerns you have about the course. See you on the DB!!