World mythology, a part of every culture, is used to explain natural phenomena, origins of civilization, and why things happen as they do1. Myths are ontological, culture-based stories with god or hero protagonists in a proto-world setting to explain mysterious but natural events2. They often use magic or break natural laws2. They express the beliefs and values about good and evil, the meaning of suffering, human origins, the origin of place-names, animals, cultural values, and traditions, the meaning of life and death, the afterlife, and celestial stories of the gods or a god1. Myths tell the stories of ancestors and the origin of humans and the world, the gods, supernatural beings, and heroes with super-human, usually god-given, powers1. They alsocribe origins or nuances of long-held customs or explain natural events such as the sunrise and sunset, the cycle of the moon and the seasons, or thunder and lightning storms1. They are necessary aspects of the human psyche which needs to find meaning and order in a world which often presents itself as chaotic and meaningless1. Learn more 1 worldhistory.org 2 heimduo.org 3 britannica.com
A. Possess a sacred nature
B. In narrative form
C. Possess a timeless setting
D. Consist of supernatural powers as participants
E. Contain truth and knowledge
F. Intensely believed
Ten Characteristics of a Myth - Adapted from “What is a Myth?” by Mary Magoulick www.facutly.de.gcsu.edu
1. A myth is a story that is, or was considered, a true explanation of the natural world and how it came to be.
2. Characters are often non-human and are typically gods, goddesses, supernatural beings or mystical “fist people.”
3. Setting is typically ancient, or prior to the time when actual records were kept. Myths are typically set in a world very similar to our own, but with supernatural monsters or areas.
4. The plot of a myth may take place between a supernatural world and our present day world. Myths do this to highlight the basic human behaviors that are essential in any setting.
5. Myths possess events that bend or break natural laws. This is often done to magnify the “super-naturalness” of the mythical world.
6. Promotes “Social Action”—myths try to tell people how to act and live. Core values such as individualism, family and community are often instilled in mythical heroes.
7. Myths have sense of mystery, or the unknown.
8. Dualities (or complete opposites such as night/day, good/evil) often play important roles in the plot of a myth.
9. Myths often have an emphasis on language… Mythical heroes are often sophisticated storytellers.
10. Myths are often metaphoric—that is, myths are created to comment or analyze a real world event. Real world questions that myths often attempt to answer are: