Foundations of Mythology Short Answers Essay

How is the word myth used popularly? For example, what does the statement, â€Å"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 used popularly, for example the statement, â€Å"It’s a myth† generally means that is untrue or a lie. The term myth means is that certain events or stories are embellished and unfounded on the basis of common societal knowledge. They are legends and they are things that seem outrageous, but are not necessarily true. The one I go back to over and over is the picture of the camel spider from Iraq. It was supposed to be a two foot spider that would attach to people without them ever knowing until it was too late. The internet has allowed for many of these fabrications to take hold and become something of an internet urban legend. The word myth in an academic context refer s to stories from the past. I am drawn to Greek mythology where stories are told of outrageous human beings as they are involved with gods and learn life lessons. I think a myth is meant to be a teaching vessel. 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. People need to know who they are and where they come from and what is their purpose in life. Questions like why the world exists and how it was created. These myths have been passed down from ages throughout history. Each culture has an explanation of creation and the beginning of mankind. From man being created by the God’s from the dust of the earth to the great Zeus the creator of all things. These explain many of the questions that humans have relating to creation and purpose. What is the relationship between belief, knowledge, mythology, and religion? Where do mythology and religion intersect? Where do they diverge? Think a bout the function of myth and religion in helping human beings cope with change, suffering, loss, and death. The relationship between belief, knowledge, mythology, and religion  are all based on an idea of knowing, teaching, and learning to be the best person that you can possibly be. I know this may sound a bit optimistic, but I think that part of living life is to become the best person that one can be. I think that believing something is based on a personal confidence. I think that knowledge is based on a concept of personal improvement. I think that mythology is based on a concept of historical teaching and I think that religion is based on an attempt to find personal peace and personal enlightenment. Where do religion and mythology intersect? They are each historical teachings that are meant to help a person become a better person. The human being will go through a variety of cycles throughout their lives. This will include coping with change, suffering, loss, death, and happiness. What these are meant to do is help a person deal with all of the changes that they are undergoing. How would you defend mythology’s 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. They could be defended by what they are attempting to teach. They are meant to help a person deal with the challenges that take place throughout everyday life. Life is challenging and life is hard. Myths can be defended and should be defended because they are meant to help a person deal with the challenges that take place throughout the hardships of life. When we consider the familial and cultural traditions they are important because they offer insight to historical perspective. They allow us to see how much society has changed and how much people have remained the same in regards to their conflicts and problems. Typifying the human experience is an example. Who could say that our society is not filled with mythology as it is? I think that it is entirely. Movies, books, stories and visual images are all modern mythology. Who is to say that centuries from now societies won’t look back on our culture today and view our movies and books as we view myths and cave art? It’s interesting to think about.