Mythology background

1
Mythology -- background
2
Folktale and Legends

• Folktale a story that, in its plot, is pure
  fiction and has no particular location in either
  time or space.
• Usually a symbolic way of presenting differing
  means by which humans cope with the world in
  which they live in
• Often referred to as fairy tales.

3
F and L cont

• Legends a story from the past about a subject
  that was, or is still believed to be, historical.
  These concern people, places, and events. It is
  always associated with a particular place and
  time in history

4
Mythology --

• A set of stories, traditions, or beliefs
  associated with a particular group or the history
  of an event, arising naturally or deliberately
  fostered.
• an embodiment of peoples perceptions of the
  deepest truths

5
Purpose

• To give order and a frame of meaning to peoples
  personal perceptions
• To explain the nature of the universe
  (creation/fertility)
• To instruct the community members on attitudes
  and behavior necessary to function successfully
  in a culture (Hero/epic)

6
Fundamental Questions

• Who am I?
• What is the nature of the universe in which I
  live?
• How do I relate to that universe?
• How much control do I have over my life?
• What must I do in order to survive?
• How can I lead a satisfying life?
• How can I balance my desires with my
  responsibilities to my family and community?
  (Hero myths)
• How can I reconcile myself to the inevitability
  of death?

7
How Myths Develop

• Rationalistic interpretation All that is
  incredible or fantastic in myth is explained by
  what is naturally possible.
• Metaphorical interpretation Myths are viewed as
  ancient tales hiding profound meanings. All
  myths are allegories revealing fundamental
  truths that are the same for all people.

8
Four Classes of Myths

• True Myth an attempt to explain a natural event,
  such as a rumbling volcano, in a pre-science
  world (Echo)
• Saga Myth essentially factual events from
  history colored by ancient storytellers (Trojan
  War)

9
Classes cont

• Fairy Tales stories created just to entertain
  (Pygmalion)
• Psychological Myths designed to explain human
  behavior (Narcissus)