ENH251 - Mythology

In mythology, Nature myths depict gods as personified forces of nature, representing natural phenomena such as water, vegetation, sky, and fire ¹²³  Proto-science or aetiological myths are speculative interpretations that explain why something is the way it is today ⁴⁵.  The Verbal part of ritual refers to the association of myths with religion, where myths and rituals are interconnected, and one cannot exist without the other ⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰   Charter myths serve as a precedent and authority for tribal customs, providing guidance and reinforcing the need for a separate system of justice for indigenous nations¹¹¹²¹³  Allegorized history refers to the euhemeristic theory, which suggests that mythological accounts originated from real historical events or personages, and became myths through exaggeration and alteration over time¹⁴¹⁵¹⁶. Lastly, Myth and psychoanalysis involve Freudian and Jungian interpretations. Freud’s approach focuses on the unconscious and hidden meanings in myths, while Jung’s theories emphasize the role of myths in shaping human consciousness^17181920.

Learn more: 1. en.wikipedia.org   2 . teaandrosemary.com   3. religion.fandom.com   4. en.wikipedia.org  

5. uen.pressbooks.pub   6, fountainmagazine.com

In Greek mythology there were many classes of beings seen as personifications of aspects of nature. There were the wind elementals Aeolus, Boreas, Notus, Eurus, and Zephyrus. Then you had the many river gods, believed to personify rivers. The Iliad mentions one such river god: Scamander. Sep 12, 2021

In the philosophy of science, protoscience is a research field that has the characteristics of an undeveloped science that may ultimately develop into an established science. Philosophers use protoscience to understand the history of science and distinguish protoscience from science and pseudoscience.[1] The word roots proto- + science indicate first science. - Wikipedia

Myths and rituals, integral to religious practices, are often intertwined. Myths, seen as the verbal part of rituals, provide narratives that correspond to the actions performed during rituals. However, the relationship between myth and ritual isn’t always straightforward, with debates on which originated first. Mythology, a component of religion, varies in interpretation based on cultural, historical, and personal contexts. Therefore, understanding myths and their associated rituals can be complex and nuanced.

Charter myths in tribal customs serve as a precedent and authority, often establishing the basis for societal norms, laws, and traditions. These myths, passed down through generations, are integral to the tribe’s identity and sovereignty. They provide a framework for understanding the tribe’s worldview and serve as a guide for behavior and decision-making within the tribe. However, the interpretation of these myths can vary, influenced by unique customs, languages, and usages of the tribes they serve¹. It’s important to note that tribal sovereignty, which is recognized and protected by the U.S. Constitution, legal precedent, and treaties, is not just a legal fact; it is the life-blood of Indian nations².

Learn more   1. tribal-institute.org   2 scholar.harvard.edu   3 faculty.gvsu.edu

Euhemerism is a method of interpreting myths that suggests they originated from real historical events or personages, which over time have been exaggerated and altered in the retelling, thus transforming into myths ¹. Named after the Greek mythographer Euhemerus, this theory posits that as these historical accounts are passed down through generations, they accumulate elaborations and alterations that reflect cultural mores ¹. For instance, a person who was very strong might, over time, become a legendary figure like Hercules ². This approach to mythology, which is sometimes referred to as the “historical theory” of mythology ¹, provides a lens through which we can view myths as allegorized history. However, it’s important to note that not all myths can be easily rationalized in this way ¹.   

Learn more:  1. en.wikipedia.org   2.green-coursehub.com    3l. ibraries.wm.edu

The Freudian View of Myth 

The Freudian view of myth as wish-fulfillment is rooted in the psychoanalytic concept that myths, like dreams, are expressions of unconscious desires and conflicts¹². Freud believed that myths, similar to dreams, neurotic symptoms, conscious and unconscious fantasies, delusions, hallucinations, jokes, much art, and religious illusions, are all wish-fulfilling phenomena or attempts at wish-fulfillment¹. In this context, myths are seen as symbolic narratives that reflect our deepest fears and desires, which are often taboo and unable to be expressed openly in society³. Therefore, the stories that appeal to an audience and are passed on to the next generation are those that contain these taboo desires or fears³. This Freudian interpretation provides a psychological lens through which we can understand and analyze myths.

Learn more:   1 academic.oup.com   2 routledge.com   3 en.wikiversity.org

The Jungian View of Myth

The Jungian view of myth, developed by Carl Jung, posits that myths are expressions of the collective unconscious¹². This collective unconscious is a reservoir of shared experiences and ideas that have been inherited from our ancestors³. Jung believed that these universal archetypes, signs, symbols, or patterns of thinking and/or behaving, are expressed through myths³. These myths, therefore, are not just stories but are symbolic narratives that reveal core ideas that are part of the human species as a whole¹. They express wisdom that has been encoded in all humans, perhaps by means of evolution or through some spiritual process¹. In this way, myths serve as a bridge between our conscious and unconscious minds, helping us to understand and navigate our inner world².

Learn more: 1. en.wikiversity.org   2. jungiancenter.org   3. verywellmind.com