Origin Myths

1. Origin Myths Stories of How Life Began

2. What is an origin myth? • MYTH is a word that derives from the Greek ‘mythos’ which originally meant ‘speech’ or ‘discourse.’ • Origin myths are stories that attempt to explain how the world and all the things in it, including humans, came to be. • Origin myths often derive their stories from the environment, utilizing the terrain, vegetation, animals, and the climate of their environment to explaningthe people’s beginnings. • Examples of origin myths?

3. Functions of Origin Myths • Demonstrate the mystery and wonder of creation. • Explain the way the natural world works. • Pass down moral and ethical codes of living (values). • To teach people how to live in a given area

4. How are myths remembered? • Origin myths are a part of ‘folklore,’ meaning they’ve been passed down from generation to generation • ORAL TRADITION is the main method of passing these stories down to the next generation. • Tribes or groups of people elect storytellers who speak the stories aloud

5. Why are myths remembered? • Origin myths contain ARCHETYPESthat represent people, events and things common to many different people. • ARCHETYPES are patterns, events, symbols, or character types that repeat across cultures • Examples of archetypes: the ‘Christ figure,’ the superhero, the nurturing mother, the devil, the innocent, wise old man, and Death. • The cardinal directions (north, east, south, and west) as well as the seasons of the year can be archetypes.

6. Reading charts for Origin Myths

7. Chart 2 for Origin Myths

8. Chart 3 for Origin Myths