...Mercia Eliade devoted his life to the historical study of religions and was a pivotal figure in the establishment of religious studies in academia from the 1960’s to 1980’s. His book, Patterns in Comparative Religion explored what role symbolism played in religion while Myth of the Eternal Return explored the concepts of religious history and well as the dichotomy of archaic religion and modern thought. Unlike many before him who thought of religion as fake, false, or representative of a mental illness, Mercia Eliade thought of religion as a completely natural and normal human quality. Interestingly enough as Pals points out, “Eliade tends in all of his writings to explore the same major ideas and patterns, but in no one of them does he offer...
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... Cosmic Myths Worksheet Choose two myths from each of the following myth categories: creation, flood, afterlife, and apocalypse. Answer the following questions for all eight myths. Creation Myths |Myth 1: |Religion or culture of origin: | |Myth 2: |Religion or culture of origin: | • Who created the world? o Myth 1: o Myth 2: • Who were the main characters involved? What was the process? o Myth 1: o Myth 2: • What was the motivation to create the world? o Myth 1: o Myth 2 • How did humankind come into being? o Myth 1: o Myth 2: • Did the original creator maintain involvement in the newly created world? o Myth 1: o Myth 2: Flood Myths |Myth 1: |Religion or culture of origin: | |Myth 2: |Religion or culture of origin: | • Who or what caused the flood? o Flood Myth 1: o Flood Myth 2: • Who were the main characters involved? o Flood Myth 1: o Flood Myth 2: • What was the motivation for causing the flood? o Flood Myth 1: ...
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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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...Myths; More than Just a Story. There are two main purposes to a myth, the first is to provide answers to explain the unexplainable, and the second is to provide a set of rules for society to follow. How does one explain the unexplainable? Most of the time there is no answer to questions like: where did we come from, and what happens when we die. Those big questions that mankind has contemplated ever since its birth. No-one on earth has been able to answer these questions with utmost certainty. Though everybody believes that they are correct. Myths are just made up, humans create myths. The implementation of a myth or legend into these questions is a much better alternative than simply saying nothing. Myths also can set standards for society to follow. That is to say myths can be placed as set or...
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...“A Myth” Mythology/HUM/105 August 19, 2014 Stacy Pfister-Jolley For me a myth is an abstract word that can be real or not. When using it in textbook then it should be understood figuratively. It’s as stated on www.thefreedictionary.com, myth is defined as a fictitious but well known story. The word myth is used in the studious context by acknowledging what is fake or real. The word myth is used popularly through fantasies told throughout today’s culture. Either were reading a book with magical creatures or watching a science fiction movie. Some mystical stories which are: Santa Claus, the Easter bunny, Zeus, Merlin and the tooth fairy. These myths were made to decrease reality for adolescent. For example, telling the story of Santa Claus to children. It makes them excited and some behave more or less during the holidays. To me, myths are like historic events that are not true and much more interesting than others. For me a myth is an abstract word that can be real or not. When using it in textbook then it should be understood figuratively. One of the most commonly used myths that many different cultures have in common is the creation myth. When examining creation stories and creation myths across cultures, there are several obvious similarities and differences that exist. While these creation myths are important to observe and offer ideas about, it seems that the most vital task is not in analyzing the smaller differences or common elements, but to look at...
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...Cosmic Myth Worksheet Jbone Eng/155 Mythology in Literature and Life Cosmic Myth Worksheet Choose two myths from each of the following myth categories: creation, flood, afterlife, and apocalypse. Answer the following questions for all eight myths. Creation Myths Myth 1: GENESIS | Religion or culture of origin: HEBREW | Myth 2: Big bang theory | Religion or culture of origin: science | * Who created the world? * * Myth 1: “GOD created the heavens and the earth.” The Earth was formless and empty.”The spirit of God was hovering over the waters. * Myth 2: Big bang theory is that the universe is a hot dense mass that was and Continues to rapidly expand. The theory is that the universe expanded so rapidly that it exploded. * Who were the main characters involved? What was the process? * Myth 1: GOD, Jesus was the main characters involved in the creation of the world. God spoke the creation of the world into existence. Jesus existed before the creation of the world. * Myth 2: Monsignor Georges Lemaitre proposed the theory in 1927. Also Alexander Friedman as well as Edwin Hubble and Fred Hoyle were involved in this theory. The process was theorized that the universes’ rapidly expansion...
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...Mythology What are myths? Myths are traditional stories in which may describe the origins of the world and of a people. Myths are an attempt to explain mysteries, supernatural events, and cultural traditions. Sometimes sacred in nature, a myth can involve gods or other creatures. And, a myth represents reality in dramatic ways. Many cultures have their versions of common myths. “Myths... attempt to answer the enduring and fundamental human questions: 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 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 acting in such ways?” (Leonard & McClure, 2004, para 3). The English word “myth” comes from the Greek word mythos and has been esteemed from the Greek word logos, both terms translates into English as word or story (Leonard & McClure, 2004,para 7). People have long wondered how the world came into being. They have answered the question with stories that describe the origin of the universe or the world and usually of human life as well. Myths express people's understanding of the world and their place in it. The world's mythologies and religions offer an immense variety of stories. Scholars have discovered that the different cultures fall into broad categories and contain many shared themes. Myths grant continuity and stability...
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...Foundation of Mythology Melissa Colon Professor Chris Jordan HUM/105 January 24, 2016 How is the word myth used popularly? For example, consider the statement, "It's a myth that..." 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. In the modern world word math is used scarcely because the only time you hear it is if you stumble upon it or in a school setting or by an accident. The way it is used versus what it supposed to mean demonstrates little difference in the common world. There is all different types of mythology that is located in different parts of the world. The mythological stories believes history and different walks of life are depicted. Although mythological stories can be controversial and religion it is still believe to be a myth by other theorists who theorize these notions to be something different. According to Leonard, S., & McClure, M. (2004), myth can be seen as an ancient narrative that can be easily spoken as fact or fiction. Therefore mythology is important in the modern day society because it plays a big impact on heritage which in return can be a constant reminder of how to treat individuals regardless of their beliefs who they are and or who they’ve become. Why do myths from different cultures around the world address such similar or universal themes? Theoretically speaking know one individual...
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...been this way throughout the ages. Myths can be common across different cultures and places in the world. Myths have a place in religion, knowledge and beliefs and in contemporary society. The word myth is used popularly in stories that have been told over time that are not true, but are told in a way to be believed as true (White Hat, 2014). Today the phrase “It’s a myth” is just another way of saying a story that is told is not true but is said to be true. An example would be the story about my Uncle Kennard Freeman. He died November 21, 1966 in the house I grew up in and still live in today. The story or myth was that he had a heart attack while sitting on the toilet, collapsed and cracked his head open on the old porcelain tub. My sister, myself, several cousins were all told this and believed it for a long time until discussing it with my father and my uncle did have a heart attack but was in his bedroom. The story sort of became an urban legend in our family. In contrast, in academic context, myths are ancient narratives that try to satisfy the persistent and essential questions: 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 are as we relate to one another and to the world at large? What our values should be? How should we behave? What are the consequences of behaving and not behaving in such ways (Leonard & McClure, 2004)? My idea of a myth is a fantastical story from many generations...
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...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. Culturally important story forming always involved some sort of myth as a primary foundational account of a culture and the individual's role within that culture. Ancient cultures have mythic literature their ancient relatives have passed down. The best known are supernatural beings and ancient tales of gods and other. A myth commonly explains origins of unexplained accuracies that justifies and validates the practices or beliefs of a culture. It also reveals the political, moral, or religious values of a culture. In my opinion a myth is something made up, as in the folktale. For examples, the woman is from Venus and men from Mars (etiological myth, the origin of life and of all things). The figure of an elf, angels or demons (example of moral myth, when good and evil appear). If the full moon you cut your hair, it will grow faster. There is a big difference between folk tales and myths and how they came around. Folk tales are stories told for entertainment and myths express beliefs held by a culture to be truth. “It’s a myth” is when someone pertains to telling a story or symbolizing to relate to the truth of the unknown of the existence of the world or a higher power. • Why do myths from different...
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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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...• 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. According to Harper (2010), "a traditional or legendary story, usually concerning some being or hero or event, with or without a determinable basis of fact or a natural explanation, especially one that is concerned with deities or demigods and explains some practice, rite, or phenomenon of nature. " Dictionary.com defines myth as a traditional or legendary story. The word myth is used to address what is real and what is not real in academic context. For example; some traditional and legendary stories are Santa Claus, St. Nick, the Easter bunny, and the tooth fairy. These stories became a part of many people everyday lives. The myths of these stories were told to young children to get them to understand rather than give them the full truth in details. A myth is a fairytale that is told to children to create a dramatic and more exciting effect. • 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 from around the world or universe are similar in many ways but according to the different cultures, the individual can have different beliefs. The way myths are presented in movies...
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...knowledge and understanding of the topic and more understanding of thyself. By answering these questions the foundations of mythology can be better understood. Basics of Myth First, let’s consider how the word myth is used popularly. In popular literature, popular television, and throughout human interactions the word myth is uses to address or categorize what is really and what is not real. Throughout society myths are used in stories and legends told. Overtime these stories become part of everyday life. This embedment into everyday lives happens through watching science fiction movies, reading fiction books, and other types of literature whether verbal, text, or movies that are about mystical characters. Some more popular legendary and traditional stories told throughout time include that of St. Nicholas, Santa Claus, the Easter bunny, the tooth fairy, and even the stork. These type of myths were created for young children but there are some that are geared towards adults. 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.”...
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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. The academic definition of a myth” is discovering a way of making meaning that has been part of every human society.” I believe myths are stories that are told from generation to generation. Depending on our culture, religion, beliefs and so on would determine the moral meaning behind the story. Some myths are legends. For example,” the cross of Jesus” is determined to be a legend and a myth. Depending on how the story is interpreted by the person listening to it. Myth is used to relate and have a reason for things that we do, as a society we need a logical meaning for the purpose for things we need and believe, with this we turn to myths. 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. Stemming from different countries from across the globe there are different culture values that has meaning to our behavior. Generation to generation learn from one another that is how our brains developed intellectually. We will be able to ask certain questions about myths. Then we will be able to answer that same question with our own mythological understanding. When we study different cultures and...
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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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