World Myths and Folktales

Myths world’s oldest stories, passed on by word of mouth from generation to generation vital to modern readers b/c they reveal common truths patterns themes familiar to all ages & cultures explain origin of various rituals and common human experiences

Important point… We will be discussing the definition of myth as a literary term, not as an indicator of truth or accuracy.

Universality of the Human Experience What are some human experiences/emotions that are universal to all human beings? Brainstorm

Myth—definition Myths originally functioned as-- (myth)—an anonymous, traditional story passed down by word of mouth that explains-- A belief A custom A natural phenomenon Myths originally functioned as-- Early science Early religion Early entertainment

Purposes of Myth 1. To explain the creation of the world and universe 2. To explain the human condition How and why people were created Why people are flawed (sin and evil) Why there is suffering in the world (sickness, disease, etc.) Why people must die What happens to people after death

Creation myths/Origin myths Describe how a culture believes the world and mankind were created

Folktale--Definition (folk tale)--a story or legend forming part of an oral tradition. Folktales-- are part of the oral tradition of a group are more frequently told than read are passed down from one generation to another take on the characteristics of the time and place in which they are told

Folktales (cont.) speak to universal and timeless themes are often about the common person

Folktales… are secular, or nonreligious. are created for entertainment as well as for teaching social and moral values.

Fairy Tales A fairy tale is a story, often intended for children, that features fanciful and wondrous characters such as elves, goblins, wizards, and even, but not necessarily, fairies. The term “fairy” tale seems to refer more to the fantastic and magical setting or magical influences within a story, rather than the presence of the character of a fairy within that story. Fairy tales are often traditional; many were passed down from story-teller to story-teller before being recorded in books.

Fables A fable is a short piece of fiction that features animals in the role of the protagonist and usually includes or illustrates a moral. A fable can also have other inanimate objects, mythical creatures, or forces of nature as main characters.

Tall Tales A tall tale is a story with unbelievable elements, related as if it were true and factual. Some stories such as these are exaggerations of actual events

Folktale Heroes vs. Mythic Heroes Folktale heroes…common, everyday folk who don’t have special powers.   Mythic heroes…superhuman offspring of gods or goddesses and human parents  

Most important difference between myths and folktales… Myths are a direct expression of a culture’s religious beliefs; folktales are not.

Myths and folktales contain archetypal themes (archetype)--an original model of a person or character, plot, symbol or prototype upon which others are copied, patterned, or emulated

Archetypes patterns in literature found around the world * Archetypal Plots Ex: *Happily-ever-after tales *Rags-to-riches stories

Archetypal Characters * Ex: *star-crossed lovers *hero *villain *underdog

Archetypical Settings *Eden/paradise *Utopia *Dystopia *”wrong side of the tracks” neighborhood *suburbia

*Archetypal Themes Ex: *Love conquers all *Good vs. evil

Archetypal symbols numbers as symbols (depends on culture) dove rose colors olive branch

Archetypes in Creation/Origin Myths Common archetypal elements in creation myths across cultures include— what exists in the very beginning creator, often omniscient and involved in the existence of his/her creations Explanation of natural phenomenon—early science (e.g. how evil came to exist, how death came to be, the reason for thunder and other natural occurances, etc.)

Creation/Origin Myths in Unit Native American “How the World Was Made” Hebrew Bible—Genesis Creation Egyptian—Osiris and Isis