Introduction to Mythology

Stories from the Beginning of Time

a traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events

It explains the view of a group of people and helps them to understand the world around them

Most cultures have some type of myth – typically they begin with a Creation Myth

Greek/ Roman mythology is most commonly thought of when one talks about mythology.

Etymology (origin) Greek

Muthos= story

Logo= speech or argument

A traditional, typically ancient story dealing with supernatural beings, ancestors, or heroes that serves as a fundamental worldview of a people. Explains aspects of the natural world or the psychology,

customs or ideals of a society.

Common to find similarities in stories and universal symbols and themes across different cultures’ myths.

Greek, Roman, Native American, Celtic, South American, African, and Norse mythology are examples of myths from different cultures.

Greek gods are not infinitely omniscient and omnipotent

manifesting typical human foibles such as philandering, feasting and drinking, and obsessive jealousy.

To the Greeks, the life of the gods so closely resembled human life that the gods felt real and tangible.

the myths of the Greeks reflect a view of the universe that acknowledges the mystery and beauty of humanity.

In general, Greek myths involve less strange and frightening magic than the myths of other ancient civilizations.

individuals become heroes by virtue of bravery and strength rather than supernatural powers.

1. A myth is a story that is, or was considered, a true explanation of the natural world and how it came to be.

2. Characters are often non-human and are typically gods, goddesses, supernatural beings or mystical “fist people.”

3. Setting is typically ancient, or prior to the time when actual records were kept. Myths are typically set in a world very similar to our own, but with supernatural monsters or areas.

4. The plot of a myth may take place between a supernatural world and our present day world. Myths do this to highlight the basic human behaviors that are essential in any setting.

5. Myths possess events that bend or break natural laws. This is often done to magnify the “super-naturalness” of the mythical world.

6. Promotes “Social Action”—myths try to tell people how to act and live. Core values such as individualism, family and community are often instilled in mythical heroes.

7. Myths have sense of mystery, or the unknown.

8. Dualities (or complete opposites such as night/day, good/evil) often play important roles in the plot of a myth.

9. Myths often have an emphasis on language… Mythical heroes are often sophisticated storytellers.

10. Myths are often metaphoric—that is, myths are created to comment or analyze a real world event. Real world questions that myths often attempt to answer are:

Why are we here? Who are we? Why are we living? What is our purpose?

To learn about ancient cultures

As inspiration for the arts

To teach values and morals

To understand allusions used in modern language

To understand common characteristics in cultures

For entertainment!!

Thus the natives of Poso, a district of Central Celebes, say that in the beginning the sky was very near the earth, and that the Creator, who lived in it, used to let down his gifts to men at the end of a rope.

One day he thus lowered a stone; but our first father and mother would have none of it and they called out to their Maker, 'What have we to do with this stone? Give us something else.' The Creator complied and hauled away at the rope; the stone mounted up and up until it vanished from sight.

Presently the rope was seen coming down from heaven again, and this time there was a banana at the end of it instead of a stone.

Our first parents ran at the banana and took it. Then there came a voice from heaven saying: 'Because ye have chosen the banana, your life shall be like its life. When the banana-tree has offspring, the parent stem dies; so shall ye die and your children shall step into your place.

Had ye chosen the stone, your life would have been like the life of the stone changeless and immortal.' The man and his wife mourned over their fatal choice, but it was too late; that is how through the eating of a banana death came into the world.

What phenomenon was the story explaining?

What supernatural elements were present?

What can you tell about the Indonesian culture based on this myth?

Greek Zeus Apollo Hades Poseidon Hera Athena Demeter Persephone

Roman Area of Power Jupiter King of the gods; the sky Apollo The sun; music Pluto King of the underworld Neptune Ruler of the seas JunoWife of Zeus; marriage Minerva Wisdom Ceres Agriculture; earth Proserpine Goddess of the underworld;

Demeter’s daughter

Centaur

Gorgon

Pegasus

Nymph

Sphinx

Muses

Fates