Folk Literature and Mythology Overview

Folk Literature

• A collection of stories, legends, myths, ballads, songs, riddles, sayings, and other works from oral traditions around the world.

Mythology

• A collection of myths, typically associated with a specific religious or cultural tradition.

Myth

• A traditional or legendary story, often about deities, heroes, or events, with or without a verifiable basis. These narratives frequently explain cultural practices, rites, or natural phenomena.

Anthropomorphism

• Ascribing human forms, characteristics, or behaviors to non-human entities.

Flood Myths

• Stories which often describe floods as punishment for human actions.
• Typically depict a widespread flood affecting the entire land.
• Feature a small number of survivors (often good people).
• Often include a symbolic sign of hope, like a rainbow.

Gilgamesh

• A Mesopotamian hero, son of goddess Ninsun.
• Epic poems chronicle his life, exploring themes of life, relationships, mortality, and immortality.
• His friend is Enkidu, and a villain is Humbaba.
• Ishtar, a goddess, desired Gilgamesh.

Children of Lir

• Celtic Irish legend.
• Tells the story of children who were transformed into swans due to a curse.
• Their transformation lasted for several centuries, before a holy man baptized them.

Mythological Creatures (Page 2)

• Unicorn: A symbol of purity and grace (Celtic).
• Phoenix: A mythical bird reborn from the ashes.
• Kitsune: A shapeshifting being from Japanese folklore (often as a beautiful woman).
• Tengu: A mischievous supernatural being (sometimes reincarnated spirits).
• Tikbalang: A tall, bony creature. resembling a humanoid horse.
• Kapre: A muscular, large tree-giant.
• Aswang: A shapeshifter in Philippine folklore.
• Troll: Typically living in caves and turning to stone.
• Chimera: Part lion, goat, and serpent, fire-breathing.
• Fenrir: A monstrous wolf in Norse mythology.
• Hydra: A multi-headed serpent.
• Centaur: Half human, half horse.
• Gorgons: Snake-haired creatures who turn people to stone when looked upon.
• Oni: Japanese Demon.
• Cerberus: Three-headed dog guarding the underworld.
• Minotaur: Half human, half bull.
• Jin: Arabian mythical being that grants wishes.
• Harpy: Half human, half bird.
• Griffin: Half-eagle, half-lion.
• Pegasus: Winged horse.
• Banshee: Loud wails foretelling death.
• Ghoul: Scavenger that lurks in darkness.
• Chupacabra: Scavenging creature believed to suck animal blood.
• Kappa: Swamp creatures pulling humans into swamps.
• Tell tales: Folk stories of extraordinary characters. 

Egyptian Mythology (Page 3)

• Amun: Wind god.
• Anubis: Jackal-headed.
• Osiris: Husband of Isis.
• Set: Killed Osiris; husband of Nephthys.

Greek Mythology (Page 3)

• Demeter and Persephone: Myth about Persephone's abduction by Hades, reflecting a view of the universe where mystery and beauty of humanity are acknowledged.
• Titans: Twelve elder gods before the Olympians, from whom the Olympians descended.
• Titanomachy: A ten-year series of battles between the Olympians and Titans resulting in the victory of the Olympians.
• Olympians: Twelve chief gods and goddesses.
  • Zeus: Ruler of the sky, wielding thunderbolts.
  • Poseidon: Lord of the sea, a powerful earth-shaker.
  • Hades: Ruler of the underworld, God of wealth.
  • Demeter: Goddess of harvests, grains, agriculture, and mother of Persephone.
  • Hera: Protector of marriage, a jealous goddess.
  • Ares: God of war, ruthless murderer, and a coward.
  • Hermes: Messenger of the gods, with a caduceus and winged sandals.
  • Athena: Daughter of Zeus, battle goddess, and Goddess of the city.

Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses (Page 4)

• A table listing equivalent Greek and Roman gods and goddesses.

The Iliad (Page 5)

• Epic poem about the Trojan War, exploring themes of love, honor, friendship, rivalry, free will, and fate.
• Key characters include Achilles and Hector.

The Odyssey (Page 5)

• Epic poem about Odysseus' journey home after the Trojan War, highlighting themes of heroism, loyalty, and perseverance.

Jason and the Golden Fleece (Page 6)

• Greek myth of Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece, featuring characters like Medea and King Pelias.

Oedipus (Page 6)

• Greek tragedy, highlighting themes of fate and free will.

Antigone (Page 6)

• Greek tragedy where Antigone attempts to bury her brother, defying Creon's orders.

Sisyphus (Page 6)

• King of Corinth condemned to eternally roll a boulder uphill in the underworld.

Daedalus and Icarus (Page 6)

• Mythical story about the father and son crafting wings and flying, but Icarus' hubris leading to his demise.

Norse Mythology (Page 6)

• Focuses on the concept of Yggdrasil, the World Tree, and Norse gods, including Odin known as the Raven god, Thor, and Valhalla.