"The myth is a folklore genre consisting of narratives that play a fundamental role in a society, such as foundational tales or origin myths."
Examination of the role of myth and narrative in religious expression, as well as their origins and meanings.
Creation myths: Stories about the creation of the universe, often involving gods or other supernatural beings.
Heroic journeys: Tales of heroes and adventurers going on quests or journeys.
Trickster figures: Characters who use their wit and cunning to trick others.
Archetypes: Basic, universal themes and symbols that recur across myths and cultures.
Mythic motifs: Recurring themes, images, and patterns found in various myths.
Epics: Long, narrative poems or stories about heroic deeds and great adventures.
Cultural myths and legends: Stories that are specific to particular cultures or regions.
Comparative mythology: The study of similarities and differences between different cultural myths.
Folktales and fairytales: Stories that are passed down orally and often feature magical or supernatural elements.
Mythical creatures and monsters: Supernatural beings and creatures found in myths and legends.
Rituals and ceremonies: Religious and cultural practices that are tied to myths and stories.
Symbolism: The use of symbols and imagery to convey meaning in myths and stories.
Myths and gender: The study of how myths and stories shape and reflect gender roles and identities.
Myth and psychology: The study of how myths and stories can shape and influence our psychological development.
Myth and politics: The study of how myths and stories can be used to shape political and social agendas.
Myth and literature: The study of how myths and stories have been incorporated into literature and other forms of artistic expression.
Oral traditions: The study of how myths and stories are passed down through oral traditions and storytelling.
Myth and film: The study of how myths and stories are adapted and portrayed in film and other visual media.
Myth and popular culture: The study of how myths and stories shape and are shaped by popular culture.
Myth and religion: The study of how myths and stories are used in religious traditions and practices.
Creation myths: These myths explain the origins of the universe, human beings, and other living creatures. For example, in the Christian tradition, the book of Genesis tells the story of God creating the world in seven days.
Hero myths: These myths tell the story of a heroic figure who undergoes a series of trials and challenges to achieve a great goal or save their community. Examples of hero myths include the story of Hercules in Greek mythology and the story of the Buddha in Buddhist tradition.
Flood myths: These myths recount a great flood that destroys the world or a portion of it, and usually features a survivor and a new beginning. The story of Noah's ark in the Bible is an example of a flood myth.
Trickster tales: These stories feature a cunning and mischievous character who uses their wit to outsmart and manipulate others. Examples of tricksters include Loki in Norse mythology and Anansi in African folklore.
Epic myths: These are long and complex stories that often deal with themes of destiny, fate, and the struggle between good and evil. The Mahabharata and the Ramayana in Hindu tradition are examples of epic myths.
Cosmogonic myths: These myths explain the creation and ordering of the universe, often featuring gods or supernatural beings. In Norse mythology, Odin and his brothers create the world out of the remains of the slain giant Ymir.
Ancestral myths: These myths tell the story of the origins of a people or tribe, and often feature a founding ancestor or hero. The Maori people of New Zealand tell the story of their ancestor Maui, who brought fire to humankind and fished up the islands of the Pacific Ocean.
Ritual myths: These are stories that are closely connected to religious or cultural rituals, and often explain their origins or significance. In Hindu tradition, the story of the god Shiva drinking poison to save the world is closely intertwined with the festival of Maha Shivaratri, which honors Shiva.
"Myths play a fundamental role in society..."
"Myths are often endorsed by secular and religious authorities..."
"Myths are closely linked to religion or spirituality."
"Many societies group their myths, legends, and history together..."
"Myths are sometimes distinguished from legends in that myths deal with gods..."
"The main characters in myths are usually non-humans, such as gods, demigods, and other supernatural figures."
"Others include humans, animals, or combinations in their classification of myth."
"Stories of everyday humans, although often of leaders of some type, are usually contained in legends, as opposed to myths."
"Myths are set in a world of the remote past, very different from that of the present."
"Creation myths take place in a primordial age when the world had not achieved its later form."
"Other myths explain how a society's customs, institutions, and taboos were established and sanctified."
"There is a complex relationship between the recital of myths and the enactment of rituals."
"Myths... usually have no historical basis..."
"Foundational tales or origin myths play a fundamental role in a society..."
"The main characters in myths are usually non-humans..."
"Myths are often endorsed by secular and religious authorities..."
"Myth is a folklore genre consisting of narratives that play a fundamental role in a society..."
"Many societies group their myths, legends, and history together, considering myths and legends to be true accounts of their remote past."
"Myths are set in a world of the remote past, very different from that of the present."