Hum/105

Foundations of Mythology

Alicia Alderete

HUM/105

November 20, 2014

Erica Elliott

When the word myth is used, we always think of something that has happened in the past like historical events. Myth is mentioned and we automatically think of something that can be told as a story or that can be traditionally carried on. The word is popular when stories or tales are being told, in which may not be completely true. So, when the myth is told, the listeners are made to believe that it is true when it may be fictional. For example, if someone told you that something happened to them in which it did not, it would be a myth. In reality, no one really knows if it is true or not. Also, myths are told to hold suspense to keep the listener asking questions and wanting to know more.

In academic context, the word myth is used as ancient narratives that are intended to answer questions about the enduring fundamental questions such as; how the universe became, where did humans come from. The questions of how the world is the way that it is and how did it become, what the foundation is and what started it. This are questions that deal with ancient history that lead us to what we are in now. This can be true due to series of events that took place that give us what we have today in our world. My definition of a myth is a story that is told that we do not know is true or not, that inspires or scares the audience. All cultures have mythological themes and stories. Some of the most themes are animals, Gods within the cultures. Each culture may have some similar meanings of what the animal may represent, but it is a common theme that can represent a person, or a time period within one’s life. Gods within a culture are very important; this can show meaning of loyalty or can be a representation of the entire culture itself. These type of things show the foundation of a culture and represent why the culture may do things a certain way. On another hand, a lot of people question...