Introduction to Mythology

Essential question … How do different cultures explain the beginning of the world? QUICKWRITE: What is your belief about the creation of the world? If do not have a belief, then make up an account of how the world was created. Write your answer in complete sentences/ one paragraph.

Introduction to Mythology Mythos=stories logy=the study of  Why study mythology?  Myths are humanity’s earliest imaginative attempt to explain the universe, its creation, and its writing. The study of the mythology of a particular culture reveals the way of life and thought of that culture. Since Western Civilization traces its roots back to Greek culture, it would seem that a knowledge of classical mythology is essential.

Myth-a traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events.

Mythology Myths are generally stories that have been handed down for generations and are popular tales that embody a collective knowledge. Myths belong to a primitive or pre-scientific people as their cultural heritage.

Why Study Mythology ? To acquire skills in the following areas: Identify and analyze the structure and purpose of myths Explain the similarities between myths from geographic locations Form theories about myths from discussions Present findings in a variety of ways

Mythology What are the functions of mythology? The reasons for myth making vary, but the four primary functions of myths are as follows: To entertain To morally instruct To explain the unexplainable To reveal our deepest hopes and fears as a society/culture

Mythology To entertain Storytelling was a valuable skill. Myths are stories and stories get told. Stories that are passed down from one generation to the next are stories told in the oral tradition. In places and times where people don’t use written language, oral tradition is a way of preserving knowledge.

Mythology Literature is filled with allusions to Greek gods and goddesses. Artists and sculptors throughout the ages have used mythological stories as subjects. The modern world, while seemingly far removed from Greek culture, has only to turn on the TV to see mythology come alive.

Mythology Myths are a reflection of the culture that gave rise to them. Through myths, cultures often explore and express the way people think about themselves and the world. The myths therefore give us insight into how the ancient Greeks and Romans thought and felt about nature, society, gender, and many other aspects of their culture.

Mythology To morally instruct (religious function) Myths can explain the correct form of behavior, explain customs and traditions, codes, or laws to follow. If a person did not follow the law, he or she would be punished. The gods looked favorably on the faithful and rewarded them accordingly. Many myths have a didactic purpose (just like some stories in the Bible).

Mythology To explain the unexplainable The Greeks attempted to provide an aetiology (the study of first causes, origins) for everything in nature. A lot of these occurrences in nature are answered by science today, but we can understand how they baffled the Greeks. The Greeks sought to answer not just the small questions, but the big ones as well. Ex. Where did we come from ( a universal phenomenon, or cultural question)? How was the world created, etc…

Mythology To reveal our deepest hopes/fears as a society. Fairy tales, fables usually address our hopes and desires as a culture. Ex. Cinderella motif Urban legends address our fears as a culture.

This semester, we will study the following types of mythology: Greek Roman Norse Egyptian Chinese

Writing Prompt Write a myth about one of the following topics: Explain why the sky is blue. What/who causes thunder? Why do the seasons change? Take the rest of the class period to write a myth using one of the prompts for inspiration. Write in complete sentences, and your response should be at least 3 full paragraphs.