Exploring Mythology: Forms and Definitions

• Mythology is defined as the study of myths.
• Myths are stories about supernatural beings that are usually passed down orally.
• Mythology also encompasses stories about people expressing their beliefs and values.

Forms of Mythology

• Myths are stories used by ancient people to explain their experiences.
• Early myths attempted to explain natural phenomena and were simple, developing from early animistic deities, with many authors.
• Myths often involve supernatural beings that look like men but have escaped human limitations.
• Legends deal with supernatural figures found in myths and contain some historical truth, also passed down orally.
• Epics are long narratives, written by one person, featuring a noble hero performing deeds of valor and national in character.
• Drama, linked to mythology, was the first dramatization of mythology and is focused on an author's attempt to understand the human situation with one author.
• Forms of mythology shows man's rational thinking: shift from multiple authors to one, moving from supernatural beings to an explanation of human nature, and from gods to humans as the central focus.

Greek Mythology

• Greek myths are characterized by their components and purpose.
• These myths attempt to explain the origins of man, the Earth, and the gods.
• Greek stories are called "myths," which means "tales" or "stories" in Greek.
• Myths contain gods and goddesses, a hero, supernatural elements, and explanation of a natural phenomenon.

Purpose of Myths

• Ancient people used myths to explain the unexplainable, account for natural phenomena, retell the glory of heroes, explain human nature, and teach morals and values.
• Studying mythology broadens our understanding of the ancient world.
• Greek gods had to be treated well - temples were built, animals were sacrificed, and songs were composed for honour and praise.
• Mythology has a visible impact on the development of English literature and modern world.
• People study mythology to learn about values and morals, and for entertainment value.

Understanding Mythology

• Myths provide clearly defined characters, like archetypal heroes and villains.
• Myths help children unravel their own confusion.
• Psychologists see myths as expressions of the subconscious.
• Theologians study religion and myths to understand people.
• Students of literature need to understand myths to understand poetry and other literary works.

Archetypes

• Archetypes are literary devices.
• They define, characterize, and explain a symbol's function.
• An archetype is a character, situation, or symbol that represents the universal pattern of human nature, including universal symbols.

Explore the definition of mythology as the study of myths, stories about supernatural beings passed down orally. Discover how myths explain experiences and beliefs, evolving from early deities. Learn about forms like legends, epics, and drama, showing man's rational thinking.