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Mythology

Mythology. Mythology is the study of myths, a collection of stories created by and about a given culture (Greek, Norse, Aboriginal, etc.) which together reveal a belief system of that culture. . Types of Myths. Creation Stories. stories that try to explain how the world was created

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Mythology

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  1. Mythology • Mythology is the study of myths, a collection of stories created by and about a given culture (Greek, Norse, Aboriginal, etc.) which together reveal a belief system of that culture.

  2. Types of Myths

  3. Creation Stories • stories that try to explain how the world was created • these creation stories have some differences but also have much in common • all cultures seem to have a story to explain how the world and humans came to be • myths recognize the complexity of the universe – creation is not a one-time event, but a process

  4. Tricksters and Transformers • stories where the process of creation is helped along by beings who seem to be part of the force of nature and who may be destructive tricksters or transformers • tricksters are clowns and creators at the same time (Greek – Hermes, African – Br’erRabbit)

  5. Heroes/Heroines/Warriors/Monster Killers • nearly all cultures have hero stories; sometimes heroes are part god/human and sometimes they can be humans with god-like powers • many myths concern the stages of a hero’s life (i.e. Hercules)

  6. Journey/Quest • heroes have journeys or quests as part of their stories • sometimes the journey or quest is to a far away land, the underworld or somewhere unknown • sometimes there are obstacles the hero must overcome on his/her quest • structure of stories: home  begins journey  faces obstacle  returns home

  7. Characteristics of Myths

  8. Myths are short stories with special characteristics: 1. They seek to explain humankind’s deepest sources of wonderment: nature, supernatural powers (gods), and our own existence.

  9. 2. They are generally the product of an inspired human imagination, but claim to be true. 3. They are generally set in a timeless past and characterized by gods (divine, with supernatural powers), selected humans who have special contact with the gods (heroes, saints), and ordinary people (mere mortals).

  10. 4. They present a model for human behaviour; they are one means by which a society teaches its values and inspires people to live a good life. 5. In early times, myths were handed down orally from one generation to the next.

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