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HUM-105

November 22, 2013

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How is the word myth used popularly? For example, what does the statement, “It’s a myth” mean? In contrast, how is the word myth used in the academic context? After considering the definition in your textbooks and course materials, write a definition in your own words.

Myths are used to simply answer questions that one may have pertaining to his or her very existence. Myth as defined by Mirriam-Webster (2013); a person or thing having only an imaginary or unverifiable existence. Something, such as a tale consisting of unrealistic circumstances or outcomes, superhuman giants, and fire breathing dragons that will come devour one in their dreams. Tales that consist of these things are usually considered to be a myth due to their lack of substantiation. Myths are considered to be an exaggeration, ideation or fabrication of facts. In contrast the word myth when used in an academic context is used with regards to a person, event, being or deity, with or without supported facts or logical explanation. The statement “It’s a myth” possesses a sort of unique meaning. That statement means it is in a way a rumor of sorts, not necessarily a fictional tale. For example the story of David and Goliath; David was merely a man probably of average height and weight for his time period and Goliath was a giant bully. It is said that David slung a stone and slayed the giant, there is no evidence of the events of that particular story ever happening. My definition of a myth; a story, ideation, exaggeration, or theory involving an event or a person that has no natural explanation or evidence of existence or happening.

Why do myths from different cultures around the world address such similar or universal themes? Think about how myths explain the unknown and the tribulations of mankind.

All throughout history there have been many different myths or theories as to how the universe, earth, and its occupants came into existence....