How and Why We Have Myths AND WHAT IS FACTUAL ABOUT THEM BY: OLIVIA ANDELIN

What is a Myth? A myth is a traditional story, one concerning the history of a people or explaining a natural event, typically involving supernatural beings or things. A story that was told in an ancient culture to explain a practice, belief, or natural occurrence. An idea or story that is believed by many people.

How  Myths started as one story that one or more people thought of. It could even be a dream. Or a true story.  The story was told to someone then that person told another.  Each time someone told the story, they would add their own twist, something that makes it unique. Like a game of telephone.  Soon, you can’t tell which was the real story, the first one.  Most religions have myths around them. There are creation myths, myths of gods and goddesses, and creatures and heroes.

So… lets' test it out. Can I get 5 volunteers from the audience? We’re going to play telephone!

Why Myths give stability to a culture. Each myth was created for a purpose. Was it just for entertainment? Or something more? Myths could have been created to teach lessons or show guidelines on how to live. They could create a more connected culture if everyone knew the same stories. A myth could also explain the cultures rituals or activities. We as humans do not like what we can not explain. Myths can explain that to us. Why the sun rises or why animals walk on four legs are all explained in myths. Myths also give us role models, people we want to be more like.

THE FACTS  Myths could be distorted from something real. The story could be based off of something true or a historical event.  Animals could look like mythical creatures. Places could look beautiful enough for a culture’s gods.  A culture’s religion could be the base for a myth, and to them, it’s as real as the earth they walk on.  The symbols of a myth, like a place or picture, are, or could be real. Like in Heracles's 12 labors, many of the places could be found on a map.

animals There are many animals that were confused with mythical creatures. These could be the basis for a myth. Here are a few.

OKAPI People used to think that okapi were descended from unicorns. The okapi is a very interesting animal and looks very cool too.

Oarfish Oarfish look a lot like the sea monsters in myths. The oarfish can get up to 11 meters long. Oarfish are rarely seen.

places  In a myth, some places can be real. These places could even be the inspiration for a myth.

MT. OLYMPUS Mt. Olympus was the home of the Greek gods. The mountain is a real place, and was so high, the Greeks believed no mortal could climb it.

Odysseus’ travels On his travels in a Celtic myth, Odysseus travels to real and existing places. Places like Turkey, Africa, and Greece.

BUT REMEMBER… NOT ALL MYTHS DO HAVE SOMETHING FACTUAL ABOUT IT. A MYTH COULD BE FROM SOMETHING REAL OR COMPLETELY MADE UP. SOMETIMES, WE CAN’T EVEN TELL.

THE END Now you know how a myth was created, why a myth was created, and what is true about that myth. So long! Now you know how a myth was created, why a myth was created, and what is true about that myth. So long!