Foundations of Mythology
Foundations of Mythology
Stephanie Smith
HUM/105
February 18, 2013
Dr. S. Koepke
Foundations of Mythology
“Myths are ancient narratives that attempt to answer the enduring and fundamental human questions” ((Leonard & McClure, 2004, p. 1). Myths are stories from every culture, country, and period of time. Myths from different cultures around the world address similar themes because to most individuals these are the things that matter despite his or her background. There are similarities between beliefs, knowledge, mythology, and religion. Both myths and religions help individuals cope with death, suffering, and loss, as well as coping to change. Many of the poets and artists from Ancient times to Present times have embodied mythology. In doing so, they have discovered the contemporary significance to the mythological stories.
How is the word myth used popularly? For example, what does the statement, “It’s a myth” mean? In contrast, how is the word myth used in the academic context? After considering the definition in your textbooks and course materials, write a definition in your own words. * * “Myths symbolize human experience and embody the spiritual values of a culture. Every society preserves its myths, because the beliefs and worldview found within them are crucial to the survival of that culture” (Rosenberg, 2006, p. 3). Myths are stories from every culture, country, and period of time. These stories help define acts of a nation or to educate children. Some myths are even meant to mystify. In essence a myth is used to entertain. The term “it’s a myth” means it’s a false story. For instances I have used the term, “God must be bowling” every time I hear thunder. This saying is just a myth. Myths are used in academic contexts to address fact from fiction, and help individuals discover themselves and their culture. Myths attempt to explain the aspects of society and of the world. Myths allow that individual to take a journey into exciting
Stephanie Smith
HUM/105
February 18, 2013
Dr. S. Koepke
Foundations of Mythology
“Myths are ancient narratives that attempt to answer the enduring and fundamental human questions” ((Leonard & McClure, 2004, p. 1). Myths are stories from every culture, country, and period of time. Myths from different cultures around the world address similar themes because to most individuals these are the things that matter despite his or her background. There are similarities between beliefs, knowledge, mythology, and religion. Both myths and religions help individuals cope with death, suffering, and loss, as well as coping to change. Many of the poets and artists from Ancient times to Present times have embodied mythology. In doing so, they have discovered the contemporary significance to the mythological stories.
How is the word myth used popularly? For example, what does the statement, “It’s a myth” mean? In contrast, how is the word myth used in the academic context? After considering the definition in your textbooks and course materials, write a definition in your own words. * * “Myths symbolize human experience and embody the spiritual values of a culture. Every society preserves its myths, because the beliefs and worldview found within them are crucial to the survival of that culture” (Rosenberg, 2006, p. 3). Myths are stories from every culture, country, and period of time. These stories help define acts of a nation or to educate children. Some myths are even meant to mystify. In essence a myth is used to entertain. The term “it’s a myth” means it’s a false story. For instances I have used the term, “God must be bowling” every time I hear thunder. This saying is just a myth. Myths are used in academic contexts to address fact from fiction, and help individuals discover themselves and their culture. Myths attempt to explain the aspects of society and of the world. Myths allow that individual to take a journey into exciting
References: Alford, A. F. (2004). Eridu books. Retrieved from http://www.eridu.co.uk/Author/myth_religion/myth_religion.html Drexel University. (1997). Retrieved from http://showme.physics.drexel.edu/thury/Myth/Introduction_to_Myth.html Encyclopedia mythica. (2004). Retrieved from http://www.pantheon.org/articles/m/mythology.html Leonard, S., & McClure, M. (2004). Myth & knowing: An introduction to world mythology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Merriam Webster. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/ Rosenberg, D