Introduction to Mythology: Key Terms

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Introduction to Mythology Key Terms
Concepts
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Notes on Mythology Key Terms

• deity
• realm
• mortal
• immortal
• demi-god

• god or goddess
• area or region deity rules or controls
• subject to death
• not subject to death
• half-god,a term used to describe mythological
  figure whose one parent is a god and whose other
  parent is a mortal (i.e. human).

You are responsible for this information on a
quiz- Write it down!
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Key Term

• oral tradition

• refers to any story passed down from one
  generation to another by performance or word of
  mouth.

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Key Term

• myth

• a story that attempts to answer basic questions
  about the world, such as how the earth and its
  creatures were created.

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Key Term

• Archetype

• A character, event, a story, that recurs in
  different works of literature. The word means
  an original pattern or model.
• Example the good versus evil character.

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What is the purpose of these myths?
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• the unknown (e.g. why the world is the way it is?
  What is the origin of people and creatures? Why
  do we die? etc.)
• the causes of natural phenomena (e.g.
  earthquakes, storms, drought, etc.)

• One purpose of these myths is to explain.

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• A second purpose of
• these myths is to teach.

• The consequences of actions of a person or group
• the values of a person or group
• the belief systems of a person or group

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• A third purpose of these myths is to
  entertain.

• Myths are fun.
• Myths are imaginative.
• Myths are action-packed.
• Myths are an escape.

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How did myths develop?
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• One scientific theory is that
• myths began as historical
• events that became
• distorted over time.

• Such as
• great flood
• a winter storm
• a volcanic eruption
• the birth of twins

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• Such as
• an earthquake
• a solar eclipse
• a tsunami

• Another scientific theory is that myths were
  an attempt to explain natural occurrences man
  could not understand.

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• Yet another theory is that myths were created
  to satisfy mans inner needs.

• Such as
• A need for order
• A need for a sense of purpose
• A need for a hero
• A need for believing

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• Why study myths?

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• Myths are universal.

• myths can be found in many culturesGreek, Roman,
  Japanese, Native American, Egyptian, African,
  etc.

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• Writers often allude to (refer) to myths.

• critical readers recognize connections between
  the characters and/or events theyre reading
  about and mythical references.

from Romeo Juliet ROMEO Well, in that hit
you miss Rosaline will not be hit/ / With
Cupid's arrow she hath Dian's wit/ / And, in
strong proof of chastity well arm'd,/ /From
love's weak childish bow she lives unharm'd
(Act I, Scene i)
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• Myths are didacticthey teach.

• we learn about the values, beliefs, and way of
  life of those who invented them.

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American Mythology

• Whos this character from American mythology?
• According to the myths, what are some of the
  things hes responsible for creating?

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What Values can we Infer About the Myths of Early
Americans?

• Symbiotic Relationship with Nature
• Living off the Land Agricultural community
  (both settling and migrant farmers)
• Hard work self-sustaining
• Other Traditional American Themes
• Pride and Self-Reliance
• Perseverance and Resilience
• Hope and the American Dream
• Manifest Destiny
• Fulfilling what is your destiny taking what is
  yours

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Review Who or what is a hero?

• Based on our prior exposure and knowledge of the
  term, what is a hero?

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Who are our heroes?

• If the early European-American settlers had
  heroes such as Paul, Bunyan, then who are some
  our heroes now?
• Brainstorm a list of 3-4 contemporary heroes.
• Just complete the first two columns for now
• Name of the hero/heroine and the traits or
  superpowers he or she possesses
• Please organize your list into the following
  categories

Name of Hero/Heroine Traits or characteristics which make him or her heroic Values (such as courage, honesty, loyalty, etc.) he/she embodies Hero or Celebrity
1. 2. 3. 4.
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Whats the Difference?

• A celebrity- is someone famous who has talent and
  fans, but is someone who is flawed and makes
  mistakes
• A hero- A protector, a person possessing
  admirable traits that make them super-human that
  are beneficial to humanity

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Drawing Inference

• Complete your chart
• What does our list of heroes and their heroic
  traits say about what WE VALUE or BELIEVE in our
  heroes?
• State whether your hero is a celebrity or a hero
  based on the definition received in class.

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Some of Our Examples
Hero Superhuman characteristics Values Celebrity or hero?
Batman Fights for justice, helps the helpless Compassion, values human life celebrity
Lebron James Hes a good athlete, entertainer Hard work, strive for greatness Celebrity
JFK Saved Americans from Cuban missile crisis in 1960s Saving US citizens, upholding justice Celebrity
Professor X Peaceful and smart, telepathic   Intelligent, believes in equality Hero
Thor   Strong with a hammer Bravery, protects the weak Hero
Spiderman   Spider-like traits, spidy-sense Bravery, courage, determination Hero
Flash   Superspeed Brave, humble, honest Hero
  Scooby-Doo (whole crew) Solve mysteries Honesty  
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Analysis

• In a clear SEEA paragraph, clearly state what you
  believe and support with evidence from our notes
• Imagine future generations were trying to learn
  about our culture and what our values and beliefs
  were, what could they infer from our list of
  heroes? What does our list of heroes and their
  heroic traits say about what WE VALUE or BELIEVE
  in our heroes?

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• The Palace of Mount Olympus
• by Robert Graves