ENH251 World Mythology: Lesson 1 Assignments 1 & 2
Due 3/30/2013

Assignment 1

Read the foreword in your textbook on pages 8 and 9. Then, answer the following questions, using three or four sentences.

a. As you begin this course, you undoubtedly have an idea of what a “myth” is. Your textbook’s editor, however, tells you that in Campbell’s view, “Any good story . . . can teach us something, but only certain beguiling visions, stories with the power to shape and control our lives, can inspire and, far too often, destroy us.” These “potent timeless tales” are the only ones he would consider true myths. What about these stories do you think would make them potent? What would make them timeless?--Answer below:
What makes these stories potent are the lives these people had. Their journeys through trials, love, and adversity that brought them closer to the true understanding of themselves and the world around them. What makes these stories timeless is how they were told and how the characters were portrayed. They stir up something in us that give us a glimpse into ourselves and makes us want to share these stories fro generations to come.b. Campbell also said that, “Every myth . . . is symbolic. Its narratives and images are to be read, therefore, not literally, but as metaphors.” How would you define the difference between reading something literally as opposed to reading it as a metaphor? Then, as an example, explain the following sentence first literally and then metaphorically: As he spoke, he assaulted the crowd, stinging their ears and piercing their hearts. --Answer below:

Reading something literally would be to take a story for its complete face value; everything read happened precisely the way it was told. Reading a story as a metaphor is to take the hidden meanings from the story that are there to be interpreted and used on the individual basis. For example to interpret the above statement literally might be read: as he spoke he attacked the crowd. To take the same statement metaphorically might be read: with his words he offended the crowd using obscenities and attacked their morals and values.
c. Sometimes, you practically have to “translate” the experts in the field! Without letting it mystify you, try to restate the following sentence in plain English: “[Myths] are psychic metaphors revelatory of universal axioms.”--Answer below:

There are many ways to rephrase the above statement in plain English. The easiest way for me to explain it would be as follows. [Myths] are individual interpretations of truths accepted by all cultures.d. In that same paragraph, you read that, “We are still ravaged by ancient tribal enmities” which are fueled by the way generation after generation has interpreted myth. What does that mean to you? How have you seen this happen? --Answer below:

To me this means that we are engulfed in certain beliefs that some groups of people are right or superior to other groups which has lead to hatred. Throughout history signs of this have been prevalent; such as with the Muslim and Jewish people. Their fight as to which of the sons of Abraham should claim the right to the holy land of Jerusalem Ishmael or Isaac has lead to war and death of great people. Each group of people have their own interpretation of what God meant by the sons of Abraham inheriting the holy land and because each side takes their side of the story literally not metaphorically the fight will continue to go on.e. The foreword ends by asking you to study mythology with an open mind. What does that imply that you may have to set aside? What might you have to accept? Be specific here.--Answer below:
By studying mythology with an open mind there are aspects of my own beliefs that I may have to set aside. Some of these are my beliefs on creations and religion. I am going to have to accept that each culture and religion has different views on each story and that no one is necessarily wrong but interpreting their versions in a way that best suits their needs and who they are.

Assignment 2

In The Power of Myth, Joseph Campbell speaks of the mystical aspects that underlie all myths and that open one to “realizing what a wonder the universe is.” He also talks about the cosmological dimension (the science of myth), the element that shows how your culture is organized. Then he describes the sociological function of myth, one that validates the social order (the society’s mode of operation) and maintains it.

a. As you look about you and your culture, how do you see the sociological dimension taking place? What elements, documents, or stories can you think of that tell society how it’s supposed to operate?--Answer below:

The sociological dimension taking place today can be seen through our government, religions, and the unspoken laws that govern how we treat one another. All of these have been derived from stories and legends of great men and women throughout history. There are many documents and stories that dictate how society is supposed to behave. The United States Constitution was created by people with a vision of a better society. The Ten Commandments is another example of how people in society should conduct themselves as well.
b. Finally, Campbell speaks of a pedagogical function of myth, one that teaches a person how to live. What stories can you think of that promote positive behaviors and try to eliminate negative behaviors? Why can you call these stories “mythology”?--Answer below:

A few of the mythological stories that come to mind that promote positive behaviors and try to eliminate negative behaviors can be seen through the Apache and Chinese tales. In the Apache Teardrops, the wives and lovers of the Apache men who died presented such sorrow that the Great Father was moved by their sadness and sincere sorrow that he embedded stones called obsidian with their tears. All who posses the stones will be blessed with peace and prosperity. This story teaches us that in order to prevent such sorrow in the future we must learn from what had happened to the Apache warriors and their loved ones. The Magical Chinese Unicorn Qilin promotes positive behavior and growth of children and leaders by presenting itself in times of trials to give inspiration and direction. These stories can be called “mythology” because each one encompasses heroes, mystical beings, and morals about how we should conduct ourselves.

c. Why would it be important to a culture to have its own specific creation myth?--Answer below:

It is important to a culture to have its own specific creation myth because all people need to have a sense of identity and answers to where they came from. Creation myths are the basis of a structured society. Cultures develop their belief systems, moral standards, and governments from these creation myths.d. The descriptions of some cosmologies are very intricate and involved. Why might a culture have multiple layers and sections?--Answer below:

A culture might have multiple layers and sections in their views of cosmology due to the many questions that surround their existence. These layers and sections give insight on how a culture views their connection to all of the seen and unseen elements of the universe. Through these layers beliefs are developed as to the relationship between the heavens and the earth. e. Some cultures have very specific and detailed stories of an afterlife. Some have much less and some scarcely any at all. Why do you think there’s such a variation?--Answer below:
Each culture has their own version of the afterlife according to their belief system developed from their creation myths. I believe the variations of the afterlife stories reflect the different beliefs and morals of each culture.