...MYTHOLOGY The word myth is used widely by many cultures. Myths can be used for poetry for Irish poets, for example, who use Celtic myths as inspiration. One would use “it’s a myth” to mean a story or urban legend that may be not quite true, but popular belief. In academic context, the word myth is utilized to describe an ancient narrative as an answer to a basic human question. Myths are used to describe origins of people to explain their roots and history. Myths explain why some of our characteristics are the way they are as we trace our heritage through these stories told to us in books or from our elders. They are primarily chronicles of our past as a society that may or may not be statistically true and may not be able to be verified, however they can be used to validate some of our characteristics. Myths can address similar themes from different countries as they tackle moral issues that encompass mankind, such as infidelity, betrayal, honor, bravery, etc. Myths also explain the known, like natural events for instance, rainbows, storms, rain, etc. They similarly describe matters of global importance as the creation of man, how the world was formed or the existence of god. Many cultures tell the same myths but in different ways. They may have different persons in their stories, but are similar in matter. A myth about the creation of man may be told in one way in Egypt and another way in Argentina, however both are describing the same topic. An Irish myth may explain the...
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...Optimism and Pessimism of Myths Myths are stories passed down from generations which surround our society and determine true or false concepts. A notion is established within a myth to indicate a specific story and idea. Well-known myths, such as the 'Myth of the Model Family' and the 'Myth of Education and Empowerment,' provide a representation of ideas that have exceeded the strength of time. These complex, yet simple, myths represent a diverse range of opinions within society since they've been molded and have transformed over the period of time. “Rereading America” offers different perspectives from a variety of authors regarding these particular myths. The opinionated narratives mentioned in the text prove that these common myths have the ability to influence society in many ways. Regardless of the variety of influence, the authors portray their viewpoints by displaying how the myths can form a common understanding among a people. While these myths create a...
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...November 21, 2015 What are myths? According to our text, "myths are ancient narratives that attempt to answer the enduring and fundamental human operations: How did the universe and the world come to be? How did we come to be here? Who are we? What are our proper, necessary, or inescapable roles as we relate to one another and to the world at large? What should our values be? How should we behave? How should we not behave? What are the consequences of behaving and not behaving in such ways?" Leonard and McLure, (2004) There are many ways that the word myth is used as well as independent definitions and just as many correlations between different cultures for the same myth. Let's look at the foundation of the word myth and all of its implications. The term myth is most popularly used today as something that is false, an untruth if you will – an urban legend; a rumor or a hoax. There are many things here in New Mexico that are considered to be a myth. We are home to thousands of Hispanics. There are many "myths" here in New Mexico about Chupacabras – which are literally translated as "goat-sucker", from chupar ("to suck") and cabra ("goat"). Wikipedia, (2015). We have much livestock here in New Mexico and purportedly, some of them were often times found dead with no blood left and three holes that were punctured in their chests – just one of the stories of this area; and a story that was brought over from Puerto Rico, where it originated. Another myth that is told to our children...
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...Foundations of Mythology The purpose of this essay is to answer a few short questions concerning the word myth. I will be giving details and definitions in my own words to explain how the word myth is used, common mythological themes, the differences between mythology, religion, and belief, and whether or not I believe if mythology is relevant. The word myth is used popularly to explain or tell a story or legend that is not fully truthful. Portions of the story maybe true but other portions of the story are exaggerated or told in a way that the person understands. Tall tales, fairytales, or urban legends are examples of myths that help explain things to people or children especially in a way they can understand. The statement, “It’s a myth” means that the story is not true, there is little truth in the story, or an explanation of the unknown. For example, as a child many of us are told about the boogey man. He is a mythological creature created to spook or scare children into behaving or to stay away from dangerous places. The boogey man is a common mythological theme told across different cultures. Each culture has a name for the boogey man, such as the Chupacabra, the Lady in Black, Bloody Mary, the Man under the bed, or the most common of all the Devil. The myth of an allege boogey man was created to scare children or bring fear of the unknown. The myth of the boogey man explains to children that there are bad people or places in the world and to be cautious. Another common...
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...We all know what stories and myths are but what some of us might not know is that many stories and myths have meanings behind them. Stories as well as myths teach us a lot about ourselves, the stages of our life and many other different things. Toni Morrison and Leslie Marmon Silko both provide stories which provide guidance and meaning to the characters and to the community. In The Power of Myth, Campbell states “Mythology teaches you what's behind literature and the arts, it teaches you about your own life”(15). Campbell explains to us myths aren't just myths, they can teach us many things about our own life. We can all learn something from a story or myth. Stories can be told to find importance or meaning behind them and they can also...
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...Professor * 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 things in the definition in your textbooks and course materials, write a definition in your own words. The word myth is used in stories told people don’t know if the stories told are true or not. My personal belief is that a myths can be both true and not true tales. My reason for this because things in the area that happened more than fifty years ago or longer could be turned into false information after the years and years of being restated, no one knows because this area has happened so long ago in time. Myths are stories that were passed on from one generation to the next one its fiction and non -fiction. Myth is used in academic context as being an explanatory narrative, & illustrates how people should act and the existing social order. They are collectively authored and are created by people traditions and oral traditions are told and retold over time. My definition of myth is something that has reason for it could be true or untrue depending on the topic; you just have to use logic to determine the truth of the quote or statement. * 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. The reasoning why myths from other cultures are similar is...
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...World Creators Creation myths are stories about the birth of our world and the people that inhabit it. Every culture has a myth or story on how the world was created and where civilization began. During ancient time creation myths and stories were their cosmological research. Creation myths reveal a lot about the thoughts of humans from the past and how they saw and understood the world during their time. Their minds were not that much different than ours, and the myths of the past teach us a lot about ourselves today. Even though it is not the oldest of the creation myths it is however one of the oldest that is documented. Enuma Elish or also known as the Babylonia creation story begins with the creation of the world with a battle for sovereignty between the Gods. According to the myth the Babylonian God Marduk defeats the gods of old that the neighboring culture inherited. When it comes to the actual creation of the world, which is my main interest in the epic, Enuma Elish has two separate accounts of it. The first one is in the beginning, where the waters of Tiamat and Apsu are joined, and the second one is when Marduk has killed Tiamat and uses her corpse to build the world (Stenudd, N.d.). Another myth that I found to be interesting was Xingo or The creation of man from Brazil, in this myth the world was already created but man was not. This myth begins with Mavutsinim, the primordial deity whom may or may have not created the world. The story of Mavutsinim is that he...
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...The importance of culture – myths, symbols, arts, science, history. The real question is whether the culture can influence the way we think and experience the world. Clearly we have to realize that the culture is something that lies within us, around us, and is an integral part of our being. It defines the way we treat others and ourselves. Culture forms an important element of social life of a man. It gives the individuals or groups the feelings of unity with the group. What exactly is culture, anyway? Term "culture" is based on a term used by the Ancient Roman orator Cicero in his Tusculanae Disputationes, where he included a cultivation of the soul or “cultura animi” using an agricultural metaphor for the development of a philosophical soul, understood theologically as the highest possible ideal for human development. In Latin “culture” is “cultus agri”, which is crop land, in other words, a subjugation of nature by a man. The meaning of this phrase developed gradually, from its simplicity to a more complex form. It includes everything that has been ever made by a particular group of people, independently of a material world (architecture, clothes) but also a spiritual one. Just a single person simply cannot create culture, so we can talk about the beginnings of culture from the moment when our ancestors started to form groups. Originally culture was passed on as thoughts and ideas, but then with invention of symbolism also art and science. It is permanent but also constantly...
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...Provencal HUM/105 World Mythology Wednesday, May 30, 2012 Dr. Cherie Turpin In reviewing the text and in performing some research the term “myth” can be defined as way to find out answers to questions that one might have. Myths are sort like stories or tales that try to answer a specific question that one might have, but are not necessarily the correct answers. It is a way to open up the question for research/discussion to see exactly what that question might actually mean to humans and becomes a continuation of various responses. According to our text, the term “myth” is defined as ancient narratives that attempt to answer the enduring and fundamental human questions. (Leonard & McClure, 2004) In during further research and reading, I also found that the word itself comes from the Greek “mythos”, which meant speech or discourse, but later became to mean fable or legend. (Mythology. Encyclopedia Mythica. Retrieved May 29, 2012) Myths from different cultures around the world address such similar or universal themes, because they introduce cultural values and behaviors to us, and, also helps us develop intellectual tools that allows us to look and question our own mythic understandings. Studying myths allows us to learn about other cultures and opens up mind to see things differently with our own view. In thinking about how myths explain the unknown and the tribulation of mankind, it is human nature to ask questions rather than accept a response blindly. Humans always...
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...In our beloved country America, we are taught many historical events that are distorted or flawed about our country. Ray Raphael’s book “Founding Myths: Stories that Hide Our Patriotic Past,” proves how easily people get confused with what is fiction and what is fact. This essay will discuss how the background of founding myths developed over time, the consequences as a result of the myths being unexplored, the impact of the myths, and whether or not these myths serve as a useful purpose. Since we have grown to the age to go to school we begin to learn our countries history. These myths have developed over time through the historians who tell or write about them. Historians tend to change the perspective or history the way they want you to view it. The founding myth of the Founding Fathers is a great example. The author Ray Raphael gives us a reason that the Founding Fathers became developed over time. Several framers and signers did not have normal names in the past and the author believed that people would not be able to remember all the confusing names. For Americans to recite a good myth Ray Raphael believed that...
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...Barber Classical Mythology Essay 1 . There are many similarities between reality and the world of mythology. Whether it is through emotions, actions, or the overall message of the myth, reality can be intersected with mythology. Our culture and customs can be compared and contrasted in almost every myth. This proves true when examining the myth of Aphrodite and Adonis. Its “love lost” theme intertwines with how humans view the subject of love. Another example would be through the myth of Hephaestus, Aphrodite, and Ares. This myth can be relatable with human life because of how the underdog (Hephaestus) ultimately comes out on top. Mythology intersects with reality when the subject of loyalty between friends arises. “Tormented by her sense of shame and guilt, the poor girl was on the point of suicide, but she was rescued just in time by her faithful nurse, who eventually wrenched the secret from her. Although the old woman was horrified by what she learned, she preferred to help satisfy the girl’s passion rather than to see her die.” (Morford, pg. 185) In reality, it is not uncommon to see friends go to drastic lengths for each other. Most of us do not like to see our friends hurt, and we would do anything to make them happy again. This is no different when analyzing this section of the myth. Aphrodite’s nurse admitted that her helping Aphrodite engage in sexual activities with her father was horrible; however she proceeded to do so anyway. Often we say we would do anything...
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...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:...
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...across the phrase “that’s a myth” and typically when we hear this we know that there may be little to possibly no truth to it, and maybe even a story from ancient history. Myths can range from different meanings based on who is telling the myth, the culture, and much more. Below there will be information that will elaborate on the many questions of what a myth is, how it is relevant in contemporary culture and the many belief systems that follow through with Myths. What Is a Myth? The word myth has been used on this earth for as long as we know, and is a popular word that is used to generally to tell a story, event, history, or even to describe a legend of some sort or time. Although many myths may be imaginary as told, they are most certainly acknowledged. There is no proof to many of the myths but they hold significance to many, and many hold dear to their beliefs regarding the myths regardless of its minimal proof to be a fact or not. There are many stories that are told from different cultures that have continued to be told through time, and depending on our culture, and who told these stories they follow and hold great significance to many and some will believe them and others may not. The Most common mythological themes across different cultures especially the seven major cultural groups Africa, the Americas, Northern Europe, the British Isle, Middle East, Greece, Rome, the far East, and the Pacific Islands is creation. Every culture has its myths about pantheons of Gods...
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...Myths are clues to the spiritual experience of life”. Joseph Campbell, a man who has dedicated his life to interpreting myths and talks about how they influence our every day lives. From watching the video The Power of Myth starring Joseph Campbell was very intrigued on how he is able to connect myths in our lives and how they shape us to live. In the video Joseph Campbell defined god as a thought/idea. My first reaction to his idea was negative at first but when I digested it, I actually found myself to agree with him. I think in a way God was brought up to keep civilizations in order by making people believe in a divine power that can punish them when they commit acts that are looked down upon. When Mr. Campbell was talking about the topic Creation I had mixed feelings about how he interpreted the relationship between humans and nature. He believes that nature is corrupt and has to be tamed by humans; I believe that humans and nature should have a balance between one another instead of one side trying to regulate the other. What I did like about the Creation discussion was when he stated that God is in all of us. I think that when God made us in his own image he also put a part of his soul in each of us. From this video I have learned a couple new things about myths, god and creation and how they affect us. I think that this video is a vital to show to people interested in studying Myths because it can give people a new perspective on how they view...
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...Mythology HUM/105 12/8/2015 Ricky Gonzales * * The word myth is used popularly to describe a fable or legend. However Merriam Webster’s definition of myth is closer to how it is used in academic context. Webster’s defines myth as a traditional 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. * * In my opinion a myth is a story, legend, narrative, or even a ritual that humans use to attempt to answer things they have yet to understand about the universe or help define our own human behavior. The ancient narratives that we associate with mythology are even today reborn in new retellings of the old stories in the form of movies and new books and other modern remakes. This is because we humans redefine ourselves as a whole, just as we redefine ourselves as individuals. If the entire world were to be decimated today, then hundreds of years from now stories about gods in strange armor flying great airships to distant lands might one day become myth if the understanding of the science of supersonic flight does not make it through the aftermath. * * * Myths address similar or universal themes because it is human nature to attempt to define and understand the world around us. The similarities are due to our innate desire to better understand ourselves. The similarities in creation myths are a great example of this phenomenon. Since all humans at some point...
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