Mythology Function, Role, & Purpose in Society

Myth Defined  A traditional story about heroes and/or supernatural beings, often explaining the origins of nature/existence and aspects of human behavior.  A character, story, theme, or object that embodies a particular idea or aspect of a culture.  A traditional story about heroes and/or supernatural beings, often explaining the origins of nature/existence and aspects of human behavior.  A character, story, theme, or object that embodies a particular idea or aspect of a culture.

Function of Myth  Answers the ‘unanswerable’  Science before there was science CULTURE  Conveys CULTURE  Values/Beliefs  Family structure  Gender Roles  Morals  Geographical Assimilation  Housing  Landscape (cold, dry, wet, hot, etc.)  Clothing  Work/Jobs  Farmers?  Warriors?  Sailors?  Answers the ‘unanswerable’  Science before there was science CULTURE  Conveys CULTURE  Values/Beliefs  Family structure  Gender Roles  Morals  Geographical Assimilation  Housing  Landscape (cold, dry, wet, hot, etc.)  Clothing  Work/Jobs  Farmers?  Warriors?  Sailors?

Myth in Society  Since man has lived in social groups, there have been myths  No society without them  Oral tradition  Myths existed orally long before they were put to paper  Passed down through the generations  Unifies a people  Way to feel connected w/one another  Adapt over time with society  Old vs. New Testament  Kinder Greek Gods in new myths  Since man has lived in social groups, there have been myths  No society without them  Oral tradition  Myths existed orally long before they were put to paper  Passed down through the generations  Unifies a people  Way to feel connected w/one another  Adapt over time with society  Old vs. New Testament  Kinder Greek Gods in new myths

Mythological Archetype  Archetype  Image or symbol used repeatedly in art or literature  Patterns/parallels in stories from extremely divergent cultures.  Floods  Death/rebirth  Heroes  Monsters  “fall” of man  Journey  Etc.  Archetype  Image or symbol used repeatedly in art or literature  Patterns/parallels in stories from extremely divergent cultures.  Floods  Death/rebirth  Heroes  Monsters  “fall” of man  Journey  Etc.