Myth
According to Kessler (n.d.), there are five main theories of myth. Each of these theories is valuable and valid. Not all myths and related phenomena like ritual and religion can be explained by only one theory. To pick just one theory would be oversimplifying the complex phenomena of myth. Moreover, myths in different cultures serve different functions.
The five theories of myth outlined by Kessler (n.d.) are as follows. First, rationalistic theory suggests that, "myths are an attempt to explain things," but are just "false explanations," (p. 71). This is a common and generally true view about myths, but it can be dismissive of the role that myths play in shaping cultural values and cultural identity. Other theories offer a richer discussion of the role of myths. The functionalist theory of myth is commonly used in the social sciences (Kessler, n.d.). According to the functionalist theory,...
Like rationalistic theory, functionalist theory agrees that myths are essentially false but also acknowledges their social scientific value for an individual or society.
The structuralist theory of myth similarly is not concerned with the intrinsic veracity of myths. However, structuralist theory pays attention to the way myths create their own syntax and classification systems for human societies and individuals. Structuralist theory can be used in conjunction with other theories of myth, because it does not necessarily conflict with the other points-of-view. The symbolic and phenomenological theories are similar in that they place more value on the possible spiritual meaning of myths. The symbolic theory is the antithesis of the rationalistic theory in that it shows myths have actual meaning…
Myths Myth of Marriage and Children Joseph Campbell's The Power of Myth is a book that can potentially transform the reader's consciousness. Beyond being informative, Campbell's analysis of cultural myths is profound; it provokes genuine introspection. The author refers to the spiritual in whatever he speaks about, and yet he never lapses into religious diatribe or dogma. Subjects like marriage are elevated beyond the social to the psycho-spiritual. For example, he calls
Hi arrival at Uruk tames Gilgamesh who now leaves the new brides to their husbands (Hooker). Gilgamesh and Enkidu journey to the cedar forest to acquire timber for Uruk's walls (this need for protection indicates both increased prosperity and further urbanization), but before doing so they must defeat Khumbaba, the forest's guardian, a primitive, nature deity. They know fear for the first time, triumphing only with help from the god
One of the most ubiquitous features of human culture, myth relies on storytelling as its primary vehicles. As a type of storytelling, myth depends on symbolism, which is why the substantive nature of a myth remains the same even when the details of the story may change or assume new meaning when it is applied to another society or historical epoch. The cross-cultural study of myths may explore similarities and
The relationship goes beyond any simple realistic or complex scientific models, because it cannot be explained through the observances of realities around us. Myth and culture can often be on the same temporal level, with one or the other being generated at different times. As such, some of the myths were actually born out of a certain culture, determined by the geographic or demographic realities of the respective culture.
Creation Stories A Comparison of the Biblical Creation Narrative and the Babylonian Enuma Elish: Substance vs. Form Every culture known has some sort of explanation for how the world and the universe as we know them came into existence. Creation stories have helped cultures to make sense of natural phenomena that they did not understand, and also in many instances demonstrate the perspectives and basic instructions for how ongoing human civilizations are
Yet, Odysseus is also rewarded for his loyalty and survives the Trojan War. His wit and intelligence provide a much different vision of an excellent hero than presented by Achilles. However, it is he who figures out how to end the lengthy war with the trick of the wooden horse. In the case of both heroes, it is not divine or monstrous adversaries that they face. Instead they fight