Comparison Of Mythology In Academia, Society, And Cultural Context

Foundation of Mythology
Mythology in Academia, Society, and Cultural Context In society mythology seems to be commonly associated with Greek and Norse myths. According to Dictionary.com online (n.d.), a “myth” is a story of tradition usually depicting a hero or event to explain cultural behaviors, events, or natural phenomenon. Based on personal experience when the word “myth” is used one usually associated it with made up stories to explain the seasons, landscapes, or one example is in reference to explain why humans receive three meals a day. The release of the Percy Jackson books and movies has piqued the interest of Greek mythology in many grade school children. In an academic setting after reading a few chapters by Rosenberg’s, Leonard and McClure’s texts, mythology has influenced societal behaviors and was a form of traditional storytelling to explain a culture. These texts create awareness of the internal and external factors for humans and their cultures, and how even though each has their differences at the core we are united (Leonard & McClure, 2004), (Rosenberg, 2011).
Mythological Melting Pot
Once again based upon my background demographics Myths have a common theme and similar storylines usually passed down orally from generation to generation.
The course texts brought the unification angle as a primary focus. Each culture seems to associate mother figures as nurturing and fathers with more aggressive attributes and can explain some of the similarities. Mankind as a race has shared qualities and is curious by nature striving toward improvements, and explaining the unknown. The texts identify three common themes for myths that include a hero, the creation of the world, and fertility or economic stability (Rosenberg, 2011, Chapter 1), (Leonard & McClure, 2004, p.
1).
Mythological Divergence Myths are a portrayal of deities and their relations or purpose they have to each other. The purpose of multiple deities can perhaps be equated to the variety of cultural influences, perceptions, and situational explanations. Historically the human race often worshipped and held festivals to these deities and can be connected to religion through this. The sacrifices used to appease a God or Gods is another common link between the two. Examples for different regions are Greek versus Roman Gods. The Greek Gods are supposedly the same as the Roman Gods; however, the Roman Gods have different names and slightly different personalities as their Greek counterparts. Mythology may be considered a religion because of the involvement of Gods, Goddesses or higher beings who deigned it worthwhile to create the world or the human existence. Myths and religion provide an outlet for human emotions and processes to cope with jubilant and depressing periods in one’s life (Leonard & McClure, 2004), (Rosenberg, 2011).
Mythological Relevance In contemporary culture mythology has defined socially acceptable behavior, and has shaped cultures worldwide. Religious practices are intertwined with cultural myths whether one is aware of the affects or not. Art is not this writer’s area of expertise, however; through observation mythology is imbued into the majority of ancient art. Michelangelo and Da Vinci are prime examples of mythology and the artistic world. Through art and literature the scope of the human mind expands to allow innovative thought, and possibilities. Myths unite people through cross-cultural experiences and knowledge shared. The lessons taught in these legendary stories are the foundation for human nature and without them who knows what type of race mankind would be (Leonard & McClure, 2004), (Rosenberg, 2011).References
Myth. (n.d.). In Dictionary.com. Retrieved September 30, 2013, from http://dictionary.reference.com/
Forty, J. (2001). Mythology. In Mythology: A visual encyclopedia (pp. 8-512). New York, NY: Sterling.
Leonard, S., & McClure, M. (2004). Myth and knowing: An introduction to world mythology. [Adobe Digital Editions version]. Retrieved September 30, 2013-October 1-2, 2013 from University of Phoenix eBook Collection database
Rosenberg, D. (2011). World mythology: An anthology of the great myths and epics. [Adobe Digital Editions version]. Retrieved September 30, 2013-October 1-2, 2013 from University of Phoenix eBook Collection database