1. The Birth of Myth
Vocabulary

2. The Birth of Myth - Vocabulary
myths – (noun) A myth is an account of the actions of a god or of a supernatural being that explain some practice, belief, institution, or natural phenomenon.
If one goes back in imagination to the dark beginnings of time, one may watch the birth of what we call myths.
ravages – (verb) to do ruinous damage
In cave-homes that barely protected the people against the ravages of saber-toothed tigers or gigantic bears, everywhere man looked out upon a mysterious and dangerous world
perched – (verb) to settle or rest in some elevated position
Houses perched insecurely over the waters of lakes.
rank – (adj.) having an offensively strong smell or taste
In the damp depths of rank jungles, man looked out upon a mysterious and dangerous world.   
deity – (noun) a god or goddess
When the sea broke forth in disastrous storms, it was because the blue-haired deity of the waves was enraged.
famine – (noun) extreme lack of food, as in a country or a large area.
When famine came, Earth Mother had been angered.
appeased – (verb) to calm, pacify, or soothe by giving into the demands
Earth Mother must be appeased with sacrifices and prayers.
origin – (noun) the beginning of something or the first source
Many other questions puzzled these ancient dwellers on the earth like the origin of fire.