Week 2 Mythology

Individual Assignment: Foundations of Mythology Short Answers

Write 150- to 200-word responses to each of the following:

•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. Popularly, myths are made up stories. I think now when we use the word “myth” we are not even worried about explaining a natural disaster or event, we simply mean the information is not true! When we say “It’s a myth” typically it mean it is there is no basis for the said story. After reading the context, myths can be defined as ancient narratives that attempt to answer the enduring and fundamental human questions. (Myth and Knowing. An Introduction to World Mythology, 2004). If I were to create a definition based on the reading and what I know I would define myths as: Ancient stories used to define natural phenomenon with no scientific proof. All in all, I think when myths are told they are more for entertainment than sacred truths, but when we use the phrase we can simplify it by merely saying that is not the truth.

•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. I think we all have a desire to know the unknown or explain the unexplainable. How is fire created? We all experience rain for example, something that you can’t physically see someone make happen. A Myth can explain why it rains, How the rain come about and etc. Myths, provided people with understanding at one point in time. Now there is science that has the ability to prove or explain such unexplainable or unknown events with proof to back up the explanation. I would compare myths to camp stories, they are designed to hold your attention and some enjoy the story so much or...