...definition of myth: “a popular belief or tradition that has grown up around something or someone; especially: one embodying the ideals and institutions of a society or segment of society.” Poignantly, this definition does not include the common correlation between myth and falsification. While myth may include ostensible histories or exaggerated events, falsification is not crucial nor significant in the creation of myth. Whether or not a culture’s myth relies on scientific or historical fact is irrelevant to the core of its application. A culture’s myth or belief is vital in the realm of their world view, stresses, and precedencies, not its...
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...for the hills. Starting with a simple question such as, what is a myth? Starting with basic questions may ease fears and doubts about studying mythology. This paper will attempt to define a myth and will also look at the similarities between myths and different cultures, the relationship between mythology and religions, and how mythology is relevant in today’s society. Myths Defined When we hear the word myth today it is commonly associated with something false. Often myths are related to stories, fables or tales that are not based on facts but traditions or legends that have been passed on throughout time. A myth is a traditional or legendary story, usually concerning some being or hero or event, with or without determinable basis or fact or a natural explanation, especially one that is concerned with deities or demigods and explains some practice, rite or phenomenon of nature. (“Mythology,” 2009) In an academic context the word myth is defined as narratives with legendary plots and mythic elements, while anthropologists define myths negatively as pre-modern thought patterns. (Tofighian, 2010) Similarities Myths from all different cultures share similar themes such as, what is the purpose of life, how we got here, and why do we behave and act the way we do. Myths were used to explain why people should be good and avoid using bad behaviors. Myths were used to promote belief in a higher power and in some cultures it was believed that goodness would be rewarded...
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...Merriam-Webster online dictionary (Merriam-Webster mobile search, n.d.) , describes a myth as, “a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon”. A myth is perceived very differently depending on where a person lives their culture, values and lifestyle. In Western society today the word is popularly used to describe a story or tale that has no authenticity or is not true. Academically, a myth is an effort to answer the questions of human existence (Rosenberg, 2006). Personally speaking, the word myth means an exaggerated story that has been told from generation to generation with no truth to it, but often times sends a very meaningful message or moral that can be used in life. There are many mythological themes that span from culture to culture, but the most common theme is the plot of good versus evil. Different cultures may have different characters, but the plot of the story is always the "good guy" struggling to overcome some kind of obstacle, that will eventually make him a better person, while at the same time fighting against the "bad guy". In the end, the story delivers a message or moral to the readers about life. Across the different cultures, the storyline and the characters may be different, but there is always a moral or lesson that is delivered. Different cultures have their myths about events or occurrences, but most share a universal theme because they...
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...10, 2011 Joni Lawton, Ed. D 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. * * A myth is a culturally important story forming a primary, foundational account of a culture and the individual's role within that culture. A myth commonly explains origins of phenomena; justifies and validates the practices or beliefs of a culture; and reveals the political, moral, or religious values of a culture. Every culture has mythic literature, but the best known are ancient and anonymous tales of gods and other supernatural beings (Magoulick, n.d.). In my opinion a myth is something made up, as in folktale. For example, the Lockness monster is a myth it has never been proven that the creature exist. Folk tales and myths are very much different because folk tales are stories told for entertainment and myths express beliefs held by a culture to be truth. The meaning of “It’s a myth” pertains to when someone is telling a story or symbolizing to relate to truth of the unknown of existence of the world or a higher power. * 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. * * Myths, folk tales, fables, and so are presented in movies...
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... 1. 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. Well, the word myth brings to my mind fantasy tale of good and evil and how good wins over evil. I was reading the material’s for the class but however it has brought me to a new form of thinking. For me it was like playing in the woods as a child with my older brother and younger sister they would say to me to the boogey scare, I would hurry and run home scared out my mind, crying to my mother to help me and she would tell me that “it’s just a myth”, there is no boogey man. So then I learned that a myth was what I would say people who tell lies. I live in this world of 2013, which knowing the facts are a way better of understanding the differences of a myths and the facts are the truth. Seems like if a story is recorded on film and in the least a scientist can have fun in explaining of the unexplained in the stories told. I think the best way to look at the stories of myths is to have an open mind and not a close one (naïve’) so to speak. 2. 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. By reading the textbook, I believe that some myths from different cultures...
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...Classics 101 May 3rd, 2013 Myth in The Republic After railing against myths many of the books of The Republic, Plato ironically chooses to end his masterpiece on justice with a myth. The story concerns the hero Er and what he has seen in the underworld regarding how human souls choose their lot in life. Plato uses this myth as a way to illuminate three main concepts that all relate back to the dialogues. The first is that it is a means to a guiding principle, a story that might frame an individuals understanding. It also proves that not only is justice attainable it is worthy pursuit. Ultimately the myth culminates in a validation of philosophy as the most honorable earthly pursuit. The myth is a guiding principle, an ever-constant reminder. After nine long books covering a plethora of topics, Plato breaks everything down to a simple story that is able to illuminate the conversation in a succinct way. In a myth, major life questions can be broken down into short, memorable stories. The reason it does this is because the story evokes emotion; the dialogues evoke thought. As a listener of this myth the reader is able to sympathize, pity and rejoice along with the characters of the story. As an reader of the dialogues, the reader is merely a contemplative observer. The emotions reinforce the ideas that are being brought out in the dialogues. The powerful emotions are brought out in this myth by the very first anecdote. The common man in his rush to pick a favorable fate...
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...lifestyles and beliefs. Recently, shows like Bones, Grimm, Sleepy Hallow, The Blacklist, Hannibal, Supernatural, Charmed, etc. are filming episodes dealing with Native American myths. But are the program creators of these networks accurately portraying tribal beliefs? In an investigation into the mass media and exploring the ploys and tactics of how closely television directors portray native mythology, I uncover the startling truths. Focusing on the television show Grimm, an American based series based off the Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm, who collected and published European folk tales in the early 19th century. The premise is that those brothers weren't writing fairy stories, but warnings about the creatures that live among us. The television show is set in Portland, Oregon where detective Nick Burkhardt has inherited the ability to see supernatural creatures, and as a "Grimm," he is tasked with keeping the balance...
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...names and ideas of a myth and mythology. What they created were tales that are now known as myths. “A myth is a story based on tradition” (“Myths and Heroes” PBS.). Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines myth as, “a usually traditional l story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon.” (Def.1a). These myths described the values and feelings that bounded members of society. The stories explained,...
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...JoAnn Ross Mr. Shaw Sociology 11 March 2014 The Origin of the Beauty Myth The origin of the beauty myth is an age old question. Some have said that it was around the 1830’s that this myth came to fruition. Some will argue that it has been around since the beginning of time. The beauty myth as we know is predicate around several sociological behaviors; work, culture, and religion to name a few. The main reason as we will see is that the beauty myth is not about how a woman looks, but man’ institution and power. So if the beauty myth is not based on evolution, sex, gender, aesthetics or God on what is it based? It claims to be about intimacy and sex and life a celebration of women. It is actually composed of emotion distance, politics, finance and sexual repression. The beauty myth tells a story: The quality called “beauty” objectively and universally exists. Women must want to embody it and men must want to possess women who embody it. This embodiment is an imperative for women and not for men, which situation is necessary and natural because it is biological, sexual, and evolutionary: Strong men battle for beautiful women, and beautiful women are more reproductively successful. Women’s beauty must correlate to their fertility, and since this system is based on sexual selection, it is inevitable and Changeless. None of this is true. “Beauty” is a currency system like the gold standard. Like any economy, it is determined by politics, and in the modern age in the West...
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... 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 are used to simply answer questions that one may have pertaining to his or her very existence. Myth as defined by Mirriam-Webster (2013); a person or thing having only an imaginary or unverifiable existence. Something, such as a tale consisting of unrealistic circumstances or outcomes, superhuman giants, and fire breathing dragons that will come devour one in their dreams. Tales that consist of these things are usually considered to be a myth due to their lack of substantiation. Myths are considered to be an exaggeration, ideation or fabrication of facts. In contrast the word myth when used in an academic context is used with regards to a person, event, being or deity, with or without supported facts or logical explanation. The statement “It’s a myth” possesses a sort of unique meaning. That statement means it is in a way a rumor of sorts, not necessarily a fictional tale. For example the story of David and Goliath; David was merely a man probably of average height and weight for his time period and Goliath was a giant bully. It is said that David slung a stone and slayed the giant, there is no evidence of the events of that particular story ever happening. My definition of a myth; a story, ideation...
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...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. According to Leonard (2004), "Official myths like the Illiad and Odyssey, The Theogony- or the Bhagavad Gita or the Bible- are inevitably reconstructions from snatches of folklore and legend, artistically put together with an eye for drama and meaning. But real myths are, like one's own dreams, so fresh they are not yet recognized as myth or scripture and are fragmentary, imagistic rather than verbal, emergent, capable of forming many different stories at one" Dictionary.com defines myth as a traditional or legendary story. Myth is used in an academic context to address what is real and what is not real. Myth is used throughout society through stories and legends. These stories become part of our everyday lives through watching science fiction movies, reading science fiction books, and other books with mystical characters. Some legendary and traditional stories are St. Nick, Santa Claus, a stork, the Easter bunny, and the tooth fairy. Myths such as these are created for young children. The stork is easier to use to explain to a young child where babies come from rather than giving them the truth in detail. A myth is a story that we tell children to create a dramatic and more exciting effect. Myths are like fairytales...
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...Heroes of Today and Yesterday Invincibility. Extreme strength. Super-speed. Flying. These describe the traits that the characters or “heroes” from yesterday and today are surrounded with. Mankind has used these heroes to describe the plight of man, and detailed their extravagant adventures I oral stories to help their society understand where we came from. Don Williams put it best saying, “Myths are, if you will, dreams created by whole societies -- they are extravagant metaphors for the patterns of our collective yearnings. In every age they take on the character of a search for something extraordinary, something beyond everyday life” (Williams, 1997). These myths were also used in societies way of providing hope, and symbolizing a light when things are at their worst or darkest. No matter the culture, all have created or expanded on a hero in order to make the hero’s plight intertwined with its intended audience. These heroes were used as moral compasses for society’s children in an attempt to get them to act in a way that was good and well behaved according to societal norms. The writers and creators of these heroes would humanize the heroes, giving them issues and problems similar to issues that the average person would handle, but on a much grander scale. Whether they were battling a throng of monsters, or saving a damsel in distress more often than not, these heroes would have to come to terms with their own mortality. As demigods or minor gods, these heroes found...
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...Entrepreneur Myths There are many misconceptions about who entrepreneurs are and how they function. Jeffrey Timmons, author of New Venture Creation, cites the following fifteen myths and the reality behind them: Myth 1: Entrepreneurs are born, not made. Reality: While entrepreneurs are born with certain native intelligence, a flair for creativity, and energy, these talents by themselves are like unmolded clay or an unpainted canvas. The making of an entrepreneur occurs by accumulating the relevant skills, knowledge, experiences, and contacts over a period of years. It includes large doses of self-development. The creative capacity to envision and pursue an opportunity is a direct descendant of at least ten or more years of experience. Myth 2: Anyone can start a business. Reality: Entrepreneurs who recognize the difference between an idea and an opportunity, and who can visualize potential, start businesses that have a better chance of succeeding. Luck, if involved, requires good preparation. Starting the business is often the easiest part. Surviving, sustaining, and building a venture so its founders can realize the reward is often the hardest part. Perhaps only 5% to 10% of all new businesses that survive five or more years produce an eventual capital gain for the founders. Myth 3: Entrepreneurs are gamblers. Reality: Successful entrepreneurs take carefully calculated risks. They try to influence the odds, often by getting others to share risk with them and by avoiding...
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...Promethean Motif Humankind’s pursuit of knowledge is represented in the Prometheus myth. The punishment of Prometheus is a reflection of the double nature of knowledge: it can be used for the benefit or the destruction of humanity. The influence and legacy of the Promethean myth can be traced through history. It has been reused and recycled until it holds a distinctly familiar, yet strangely obscure grip on the imagination. There is no doubt that the Promethean tradition has become an everyday aspect of literary and artistic society: Shakespearean lines such as “Women’s eyes are the source of true Promethean fire” to “And faster bound to Aaron’s charming eyes, than is Prometheus tied to the Caucaus” illustrate this. The great Romantic Poets offered their interpretations of the myth in Byron’s “Prometheus” and Shelley’s sequel “Prometheus Unbound”. Milton used the Promethean myth to shape his characterisation of Satan in Paradise Lost; indeed The Book of Genesis can be seen as an example of the complete Promethean myth: Adam’s temptation with forbidden knowledge and subsequent fall from grace completely encapsulates the Prometheus myth. In this case it is an example of a Greek myth being appropriated and assimilated into Christian, Jewish and Islamic dogma. A more contemporary example is Hitler’s description of Napoleon : “He is the Prometheus of Mankind.” The myth also poses the motif of one man toiling against the odds, the example of a defiant hero or rebel risking all...
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...University of Phoenix Material Deities and Lesser Spirits Worksheet Choose one myth from each of the following myth categories: the Supreme Being, the Great Mother, the dying god, and the trickster. Answer the following questions: Supreme Being Myth |Myth: yahweh |Religion or culture of origin: hebrew | What are the characteristics of the Supreme Being? The Supreme Being according to Hebrew scripture is called Yahweh. Yahweh is the “sky storm god” (Leeming, 1990, p. 130). The Hebrew Supreme being is strong, he can “shut up the sea with doors”, “put wisdom in the inward part”, “give understanding to the heart” (Leeming, 1990, p. 131). Yahweh has the ability to part the light, change seasons, and changes the weather. How did the Supreme Being create humanity? According to Hebrew myth the Supreme Being created humanity from the ground, in his image, from the breath of Yahweh, and no other creature is created with his likeness (Bergant, & Karris, 1992, p. 41). Great Mother Myth |Myth: gaia |Religion or culture of origin: Greco-Roman | What are the characteristics of the Great Mother? The Great Mother is the source of life. Out of her body came the necessary nourishment and she has the ability to give birth to things that already seemed dead. How did the Great Mother protect or look after humanity? The...
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