Myths…Myths…What are they and where do they come from?

Myths are:Myths are:Stories based on tradition

◦Some factual◦Some completely fictional

Sacred tales that explain the world and man’s experience

Attempted answers to the timeless questions

Sometimes merely reassurance for the unexplainable natural phenomenon

What do Myths discuss?What do Myths discuss?Universal concern of mankind

throughout history:BirthDeathThe afterlifeThe origin of man The origin of the worldGood and evilThe nature of man himself

Myths Across CulturesMyths Across Cultures

Interesting point:

“A myth taps into a universal cultural narrative, the collective wisdom of man”

(www.pbs.org).

This is why we can find similar archetypal themes!

Similar what!?!?!?!??!Similar what!?!?!?!??!Archetype:

◦Model, original-a very typical example Ex: father, mother, paradise, hero, women of

power

Theme:◦Moral or lesson in a story

Archetypal Theme:Typical morals or lessons found in myths, stories, etc. no matter where it originated

ex: great floods, the afterlife, virgin births

Not always sunshine and Not always sunshine and roses!!!roses!!!

Often act as warnings◦A guide to social norms◦Addressing cultural taboos such as:

Incest Fratricide Greed

Are myths relevant to your Are myths relevant to your life today?life today?YES!

Artists of every generation tweak the myths, but the same basic pattern has shown for thousands of years!

Example: ◦ Hero’s Journey: Star Wars, Last of the

Mohicians, Clash of the Titans, Harry Potter, Adventures of Robin Hood

So…What are creation myths?

A story of how the Universe, Earth, and life came to be!

Represent moral, religious, and spiritual beliefs of individual

cultures