1. Where Did Myths Come from?
Here are some mythological origin theories.
None of them answer all the questions scholars have about mythology, but they all provide interesting ideas concerning the mystery of mythology.

2. I. Euhemerus: Greek Scholar from B.C.times
Developed one of the oldest known theories about myths origins
Suggested all myths were based on historical fact—in some way or another
Believed scholars need to strip away the supernatural elements to get to the facts

3. II. Muller: language scholar from 1800s
Suggested all gods and mythological heroes were really representations of nature deities, and heroes were originally a symbol for the sun in one of its phases.
Today, few scholars take his theories seriously.

4. III. Tylor: anthropologist from 1800s
Believed myths began through man’s efforts to explain dreams
Believed man’s 1st idea about the supernatural was his belief that they had a soul that would wander freely during dreams
Believed animism (all living things have a soul) was the beginning of myth

5. IV. Malinowski: anthropologist from 1900s
Emphasized the psychological conditions that lead man to create myths
Believed man created myths when they couldn’t find a scientific answer to questions
Believed man had to create myths to decrease tension caused by not knowing why something was happening

6. V. Frazer: anthropologist from 1800s-1900s
Believed myths begin in the great cycle of nature—birth, growth, decay, death, rebirth
Wrote that societies around the world sacrificed symbols of their gods to keep these gods—and the world—from decaying and dying. Instead, the sacrifice would lead to death then to rebirth with strength again.