Myths: Religion and Mythology
Foundations of Mythology Short Answers
HUM/105 World Mythology
April 30, 2014
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.
The word myth is used popularly, for example the statement, “It’s a myth” generally means that is untrue or a lie. The term myth means is that certain events or stories are embellished and unfounded on the basis of common societal knowledge. They are legends and they are things that seem outrageous, but are not necessarily true. The one I go back to over and over is the picture of the camel spider from Iraq. It was supposed to be a two foot spider that would attach to people without them ever knowing until it was too late. The internet has allowed for many of these fabrications to take hold and become something of an internet urban legend. The word myth in an academic context refers to stories from the past. I am drawn to Greek mythology where stories are told of outrageous human beings as they are involved with gods and learn life lessons. I think a myth is meant to be a teaching vessel.
Why do myths from different cultures around the world address such similar or universal themes? Think about how myths explain the unknown and the tribulations of mankind.
People need to know who they are and where they come from and what is their purpose in life. Questions like why the world exists and how it was created. These myths have been passed down from ages throughout history. Each culture has an explanation of creation and the beginning of mankind. From man being created by the God’s from the dust of the earth to the great Zeus the creator of all things. These explain many of the questions that humans have relating to creation and purpose.
What is the relationship between belief,
HUM/105 World Mythology
April 30, 2014
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.
The word myth is used popularly, for example the statement, “It’s a myth” generally means that is untrue or a lie. The term myth means is that certain events or stories are embellished and unfounded on the basis of common societal knowledge. They are legends and they are things that seem outrageous, but are not necessarily true. The one I go back to over and over is the picture of the camel spider from Iraq. It was supposed to be a two foot spider that would attach to people without them ever knowing until it was too late. The internet has allowed for many of these fabrications to take hold and become something of an internet urban legend. The word myth in an academic context refers to stories from the past. I am drawn to Greek mythology where stories are told of outrageous human beings as they are involved with gods and learn life lessons. I think a myth is meant to be a teaching vessel.
Why do myths from different cultures around the world address such similar or universal themes? Think about how myths explain the unknown and the tribulations of mankind.
People need to know who they are and where they come from and what is their purpose in life. Questions like why the world exists and how it was created. These myths have been passed down from ages throughout history. Each culture has an explanation of creation and the beginning of mankind. From man being created by the God’s from the dust of the earth to the great Zeus the creator of all things. These explain many of the questions that humans have relating to creation and purpose.
What is the relationship between belief,