Foundations of Mythology
Nicole Jones
HUM/105
Kelly La Fauci
October 11, 2011
• 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.
The word myth is referred to the things we believe in and do as a culture or society. In society individuals look for the logical meaning for the purpose of things people need and believe and with that people often times turn to myths. When “myth” is referenced in society, individuals will believe the myth is true without knowing all the facts. Most myths individuals live by have been changed from generation to generation for example, by telling a statement or phrase to someone, it goes from one individual to the next and it is very possible that the phrase or statement will not be what was said in the beginning. With most cases the statement will be repeated the way the individual understands it. The same happens when dealing with myths with the meaning being true but could also contain untrue facts. As time passes by we as individuals feel and see theories but we view each one in a different way. In academic terms the word mythology can be viewed in a variety of settings. To me a myth is anything that id untrue and is not based on true facts.
• 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.
Myths are derived from different cultures but can address the same theme in a different way and will try to be explained. In an example, speaking about the human creation individuals believe we were created by a higher power and that the power created all of us and other individuals think we were created by evolution. Myths are stories that tend to be fictional but have a positive message for the...
