1. Mythology

2. Defining Myths Every culture has its own myths
A myth is a story used within a culture to explain the origins of life, death, cultural rites, etc.
They are often closely tied with religion, as they address sacred mysteries.
Main characters can be human heroes, but are often gods or supernatural beings
Every culture has its own myths

3. “Myths are stories about beginnings.”
Myths answer questions that are sacred
BIG questions, like the meaning of life, how the world came into being, why people die, and why the world is as it is.
Folktales and other such stories are more commonplace. They are usually told to entertain an audience, not to explain things.
Legends are a major type of folktale.
Tall tales, fables, and fairy tales are also included under this umbrella.

4. The truth of Myths
In common usage, something “mythical” is something that doesn’t really exist. It is synonymous with “imaginary.”
***This is NOT the case in an academic discussion of mythology.
“Myth” is a classification term for a particular type of story, and it isn’t meant as a comment on factuality.

5. Folktales are not religious Features include:
Magic, enchantments
Gods are not main characters
Heroes are usually common people, not gods or demigods
There may be a lesson, or moral, but this doesn’t define folktales.

6. Legends Legends are usually believed to be historical facts
Legends are usually believed to be historical facts
Sometimes they are highly embellished
While miracles and fantastical things may happen, they are considered to be in the realm of possibility

7. What about Fairy Tales?
Unlike myths or legends, fairy tales and folktales aren’t usually intended to be true
They typically involve magic (but not necessarily fairies!)
They can express a culture’s values, or make moral statements, but they are entirely imaginary

8. Why should we care about myths?
“Archetype: A pattern or model that serves as the basis for different, but related, versions of a character, plot, or theme” (WL 9).
Recurring patterns across cultures and mythologies
These repetitions exist because they are so powerful—even now!
Flood stories, Golden Age, some creation myths, tragic love (R&J)

9. minwook12.wordpress.com
maicar.com
movies.yahoo.com
comicslounge.wordpress.com
getmovielink.com

10. Creation Myth Jigsaw In your groups of four: 1. Summarize the plot.
2. Describe the traits or powers of the main character(s).
3. What stories seem similar to this? What cultures are they from?
4. What beliefs or values are revealed?
5. Highlight or underline all key points, being careful only to underline phrases, not whole sentences or paragraphs.