2. Myths are:
Stories based on tradition
◦ Some factual
◦ Some completely fictional
Sacred tales that explain the world and man’s
experience
Attempted answers to the timeless questions
Sometimes merely reassurance for the
unexplainable natural phenomenon
3. What do Myths discuss?
Universalconcern of mankind
throughout history:
Birth
Death
The afterlife
The origin of man
The origin of the world
Good and evil
The nature of man himself
4. Myths Across Cultures
Interesting point:
“A myth taps into a universal cultural narrative,
the collective wisdom of man” (www.pbs.org).
This is why we can find similar archetypal themes!
5. Similar what!?!?!?!??!
Archetype:
◦ Model, original-a very typical example
Ex: father, mother, paradise, hero, women of power
Theme:
◦ Moral or lesson in a story
Archetypal Theme:
Typical morals or lessons found in myths,
stories, etc. no matter where it originated
ex: great floods, the afterlife, virgin births
7. Often act as warnings
◦ A guide to social norms
◦ Addressing cultural taboos such as:
Incest
Fratricide
Greed
8. Are myths relevant to your life
today?
YES!
Artistsof every generation tweak the
myths, but the same basic pattern has
shown for thousands of years!
Example:
◦ Hero’s Journey: Star Wars, Last of the
Mohicians, Clash of the Titans, Harry Potter,
Adventures of Robin Hood