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What is Myth?
A myth is an organized story, stories
or tales by which humans explain their
beliefs and history. Broadly speaking
myths and mythologies seek to rationalize
and explain the universe and all that
is in it.
Myths are generally narratives passed
down traditionally intended to explain
the universal and local beginnings natural
phenomena, inexplicable cultural conventions,
and anything else for which no simple
explanation exists. However, not all myths
need have this explicatory purpose. Myths
are by definition sacred and usually involve
a supernatural force or deity. There is
some overlap with legends.
In the study of folklore, all sacred
traditions have myths. Myths did not have
the negative or perjorative connotations
that has come with today's common usage.
Many myths are descended originally as
part of an oral tradition and were only
later written down, and many of them exist
in multiple versions.
What is Mythology?
Mythology is the study or collection of
myths.
Mythology figures prominently in most
religions. Most mythology is tied to at
least one religion.
Other Names: Belief, Conviction,
Folk Tales, Legend, Lore, Mythicism, Mythos,
Myths, Stories, Tradition, Fable, Fiction,
Folk Story, Folklore,Saga, Tale, Anecdotes,
History: The word myth comes from
the Greek term "mythos". Mythos originally
meant "speech" or "discourse" , but later
came to mean "fable" or "legend". Myths
have evolved to be stories of forgotten
or vague origin, based in religious beliefs
or supernatural in nature, the myth seeks
to explain or rationalize one or more
aspects of the world or a society.
Mythology is alive and well in modern
day through urban legends, New Age beliefs,and
certain aspects of religion.
Types of Myths
Cult Myths - Cult myths
explan elaborate festivals or
traditions that magnify the power
of the deity.
Eschatological Myths -
Eschatological myths explain catastrophic
events.
Prestigte Myths - Prestige
myths are associated with heros,
cities or people.
Ritual Myths - Ritual
myths explain certain religious
practices, and procedures assoicated
with religious worship.
Origin Myths - Origin
myths explain the beginnings of
a custom. The origin of a name
or an object.
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Myths in Culture:
The purpose of myths in culture
include:
- Myths grant continuity and
stability to a culture.
- A means to explain the unexplainable.
- Myths present guidelines for
living.
- Myths justify society members
activities
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