Introduction to Mythology

1. Introduction to Mythology Student Notes

2. People have always wanted to _______ and ___________ why things happen. • Why does the sun rise? What causes __________? How was the earth created? When did humanity first appear? • Today, we have __________ answers for our questions, but back in the early ages of humans, people lacked the knowledge to provide answers. • The people from the early ages in almost all cultures explained ____________ events through stories about ____, ___________, and __________. How Did Mythology Begin?

3. In early times, every society developed its own ________, which played an important role in the society’s __________ life. • This religious significance has always _________ myths from similar stories, such as folk tales and legends. • Legend: • Folk Tale: • The people of a society may tell folk tales and legends for ______________, without believing them. But they usually consider myths _________ and completely true. Mythology and Religion

4. Most myths concern ___________, or divine beings (gods, goddesses, titans, etc). • The divinities have ______________ powers—powers far greater than any human being has. But in spite of these powers, many gods, goddesses and heroes of mythology have _________ characteristics. • The divinities are guided by emotions such as _____ and __________, and they experience ________ and ________. • Many look like ___________ ___________. • The human qualities a divinity has reflects the society’s ideals. • Good gods and goddesses have the qualities a society __________. • Evil gods and goddesses have qualities a society __________. Gods and Goddesses

5. By studying myths, we can learn: • how different societies have answered basic _________ about the world. • how a people developed a particular social system with its many customs and ways of life. • Better understand the feelings and values that bind members of society into a group • To understand ______ and ______ people behave as they do. • Mythology has provided material for much of the world’s great art. • Masterpieces of: • _________________ • _________________ • _________________ • _________________ • _________________ Why Study Mythology?

6. Creation Myths Explanatory Myths Try to explain _________ _________and _______ Ex. Zeus and his lightning bolt to explain lightning Try to explain _________ and characteristics of ___________ features like rivers, lakes, oceans. Try to explain __________ and _______ Believed it was due to a mythical being’s will or act • Try to explain: • _____________________ • The creation of _________ ___________ • _____________________ • All early societies have creation myths Types of Myths

7. Some myths, through the actions of gods and heroes, stress __________ __________. • The ancient Greeks believed strongly in _____________—that nothing be done in excess. • Their ideal god was Apollo, the god of purity, music, and poetry • Myths about _________ heroes also point out basic ________ __________ of a culture. • Ex. The story about young George Washington’s confession that he had cut down his father’s cherry tree has no basis in fact. Yet many people like to believe the story because it emphasizes the quality of honesty. Mind Your Manners!

8. Anthropomorphic • Means: • Resembled ___________ • Were born, fell in love, fought with one another, and generally behaved like their _________ _______________. • Theriomorphic • Means: • Resembled ___________ • Mostly from Egyptian mythology, though there are a few in Greek myths Two Types of Gods/Goddesses