Mythology

Inbox

• Mythology is intimately related to religion. See creation myths such as Genesis.

  • A mythology class will generally take a neutral stance on truth (ROFL) due to the sensitiveness of the subject.

Definition

The field of mythology studies (often-fictitious) stories that are considered to be true by the community they belong to.[cite:@mark2018mythology] Myths are typically character-oriented, offering lessons to their audience through analogy. The myths typically studied in mythology are false stories that were once considered true by ancient societies.

As a working definition, "a myth is a story that offers 'truth' to a community" will do fine.

Impact

Two modes of myth have been identified in study:

Explanation

Myths offer explanations for phenomena such as seasons (c.f. the abduction of Persephone).

Instruction

Myths offer advice, often through analogy (c.f. the story of Icarus).

Etymology

The word "mythology" derives from mythos + logos.

mythos: the pattern of basic values and attitudes of a people, characteristically transmitted through myths and the arts.[cite:@ahdict2012mythos]

logos: the topics of rational argument or the arguments themselves.[cite:@ahdict2012logos]

Folklore

• It is important to note that the word "truth" has a different meaning in mythology. While myths offer "truth" to a people in the form of a perceived understanding, it is (obviously) not scientific truth.

  • This notion is pushed by my classwork. I find this unhelpful, and will likely avoid using the word "truth" in this manner.