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Foundations of Mythology

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Foundations of Mythology

Mythology is often approached with many questions. For some these questions come with confusing answers that may want to send a person running 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 in the afterlife. Other cultures did not believe in an afterlife and that life should be well lived. Overall the different cultures wanted to understand the purpose of their existence and why they should believe certain

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