Week One Individual Assignment

Individual Assignment: Foundations of Mythology Short Answers Write 150- to 200-word responses to each of the following: Q How is the word myth used popularly? For example, what does the statement, Its 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. A According to Online Etymology Dictionary (2010) a myth is defined as, a traditional or legendary story, usually concerning some being or hero or event, with or without a determinable basis of fact or a natural explanation, especially one that is concerned with deities or demigods and explains some practice, rite, or phenomenon of nature (p. 1). According to Popular Culture Association (PCA)/American Culture Association (ACA) (2012), many of them have had their roots in real characters and events but with retelling and elaboration have been built up into great 'ripping yarns' (para. 1). In modern times the word myth is used to refer to a fairy tale, an exaggerated tale that may hold partial truths, or a story to teach a lesson to the receivers of the story. In an academic context the word myth has changed over time. Myths are ancient narratives that attempt to answer the enduring and fundamental human questions (Leonard & McClure, 2004). I believe the stories of myths may have some truth within them, but the facts have (over the retelling) been skewed. This is similar to the game of gossip that children play where the first thing whispered is retold around the circle until it is told out loud at the beginning of the circle to see how accurate it still remains. The stories are used to teach lessons to people (children) on how to aspire to behave, what not to do, and consequences in life choices. Q 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. A According to Rosenberg (2006), Myths reflect human nature, with its needs and desires, hopes and fears. Myths reveal the human condition. Creation myths satisfy the need to have roots. Fertility myths respond to the need for economic stability in an unpredictable world. Hero myths provide models for human behavior. Myths reveal cultural responses to the ever-important questions (p. xii). Humans need to know and understand where he or she comes from, why the world exists, and what is his or her purpose in life helps to create myths in various cultures that may differ in some degree. The differences are from the cultural responses to the various questions and need for answers (Rosenberg, 2006). Darwin with his theory of evolution in 1859 helps to displace many of the stories into the myth category about creation. According to Landry (2011), It was no longer necessary or possible to imagine that every kind of animal or plant had been specially created, nor that the beautiful and

ingenious devices by which they get their food or escape their enemies have been thought out by some supernatural power (para. 15). Q What is the relationship between belief, knowledge, mythology, and religion? Where do mythology and religion intersect? Where do they diverge? Think about the function of myth and religion in helping human beings cope with change, suffering, loss, and death. A According to Magoulick (n.d.), Both myths and science offer explanations of the cosmos . . . science is designed to be tested repeatedly . . . myth is based on passed down stories and beliefs (para. 5). There is a thin line between the relationship of belief, knowledge, mythology, and religion. Individuals have a variety of beliefs that reflect his or her culture, experiences, learning, and personal knowledge. Religion and mythology is the foundation on which belief and knowledge exists. One persons religion is what another may consider myth. Therefore, mythology is one element or trait of religion. This is the intersection for religion and mythology because both teach ideas of high importance of the sacred and supernatural. There can be mythology without religion and this is where the two diverge. When the myth departs from the sacred and leads into a legend or folktale (Wikipedia, 2012). Q How would you defend mythologys relevance in contemporary culture? Think about familial and cultural traditions. Also, consider how mythology is used in the arts and in advertising to typify human experience. A According to Popular Culture Association (PCA)/American Culture Association (ACA) (2012), the frequent appearance of mythological figures and motifs in all areas of popular culture speaks to the notion that mythologies, far from being relics of the past, continue to have significance in the contemporary world (para. 1). The concepts of mythology and myths are found in television, movies, cartoons, novels (both fiction and nonfiction), arts (both performing and visual), games (both computer and board), politics, and the list continues on (Popular Culture Association (PCA)/American Culture Association (ACA), 2012). Advertising and the arts uses mythology to represent human experiences and desires. A parent sometimes uses myths as punishments examples or for rewarding good behavior in children. Mythology can have a substantial part in modern culture. Format your citations and references consistent with APA guidelines. Very good work here. jmh

References Landry, P. (2011). Charles Darwin. Retrieved from http://www.blupete.com/Literature/Biographies/Science/Darwin.htm Leonard, S., & McClure, M. (2004). Myth & knowing: An introduction to world mythology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Magoulick, M. (n.d.). What is Myth? Retrieved from http://www.faculty.de.gcsu.edu/~mmagouli/defmyth.htm Online Etymology Dictionary. (2010). Define myth. Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/myth Popular Culture Association (PCA)/American Culture Association (ACA). (2012). Mythology in contemporary culture. Retrieved from http://pcaaca.org/mythology-in-contemporaryculture/ Rosenberg, D. (2006). World mythology: An anthology of great myths and epics (3rd ed.). Chicago, IL: McGraw Hill Wikipedia. (2012). Religion and mythology. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_and_mythology