Introduction to Mythology

1
Introduction to Mythology

• What it is and what it does

2
What is Mythology?

• Mythology, like other ologies, is the study of
  something. Of course, it is the study of myth.
• Well then, what is a myth?

3
A myth is

• A myth is a story used to explain one or more of
  three basic things
• Natural Phenomena
• Social Customs/Tradition
• Human Behavior

4
TO EXPLAIN NATURAL PHENOMENACosmological
Function of Myth

• Explains
• Creation and extinction
• Storms, weather, geological functions, the sun
  and moon
• Agricultural/fertility cycles
• The seasons

5
TO EXPLAIN SOCIAL SYSTEMSSociological Function
of Myth

• Traditions
• Changes in ruler or ruling class
• Dietary rules/forbidden customs
• Changes in the status of particular groups (such
  as women)
• Relationships among nations

6
TO EXPLAIN HUMAN BEHAVIORHumanistic Function of
Myth

• Explains elements of human nature such as
• Hopes, beliefs, aspirations
• Pride, envy, ambition, honor, trust, generosity,
  love, etc.

7
Two important elements of myth

• There are two elements that apply pretty much
  across the board to myths
• 1. Supernatural Elements
• 2. Anthropomorphic Elements

8
SUPERNATURAL ELEMENTS

• Myths deal with gods and superhuman heroes
  (individuals with abilities beyond those of
  ordinary mortals.)

Which is very important. But, in the words of a
famous Greek
9
Wisdom begins with sense.- Aristotle
Which simply means that as humans, our sensual
experience of the world is what defines
everything! What we see, touch, taste, hear, and
smell is what allows us to understand the world.
Which of course brings us to
10
ANTHROPOMORPHIC ELEMENTS

• Myths explain things in away that makes sense to
  humans
• The supernatural is directly involved in human
  experience
• Even gods have human emotions and are motivated
  by human desires like lust, envy, revenge, etc.

11
Urban legends, Folklore, Myth
Urban Legends Folklore Mythology
Stories with a plot, supposedly current and true, based on contemporary reality, could happen to you. Stories passed down via oral and written record, superstitious, didactic, pointed lesson Stories that explain the origins of man, social customs, and human behavior.
12
So what do they have in common?

• ?

13
Common Elements of Urban Legend, Folklore/Fairy
Tales, and Myth

• Oral and written heritage
• Can teach us about people - history, customs,
  culture, etc.
• Carry warnings and moral lessons