Foundations of Mythology

Foundations of Mythology Short Answers

HUM 105

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 derived from the Greek word “mythos” which is interpreted as “speech” or “discourse” but later turned into the meaning of “fable” or “legend”. (Doyle, 2004 p.1) It is more widely used to explain folklore legends and fables are in fact dissimilar from myths. If someone was to say that “it’s a myth”, the other person would take this as what is said is not a fact. In academic terms, a myth can be used to illustrate the study of myths or can be used to give a picture of the study of connections between myths from other cultures. Absorbing this information, one would describe a myth as a tale about folklores and fables that are present in varying cultures around the world. These myths usually end up as tales told to kids, and then told to grandkids, and so on. They can be continually told throughout cultures.

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.

These stories usually are started by one individual. From that person, the story is spread throughout all of the citizens residing in their culture. It’s not unfamiliar for a people to search for civilization and research a cultural myth. Afterwards, an individual can share the stories they learn with people in their community. Usually the myth gets switched up each time a new person hears it. It is sort of like playing the game where one person whispers in another person’s ear and by the time it gets to the last person it was totally different from the phrase it started with. This could be the reason why myths vary from...