Introduction to Mythology and Folklore

Course Overview

• Focus on mythology and folklore from various cultures to understand human origins and emotions.
• Explores both ancient and modern theories related to folk literature.

Types of Myths

• Creation myths vary by culture:
  • Gaea: Greek and Roman origins
  • Yggdrasil: Norse cosmology
  • Shintoism: Japanese beliefs
  • Chinese: Dragon and the Egg
  • Hindu: Brahmanism
  • Filipino myths: Malakas at Maganda, Tungkung Langit at Alunsina

Mythological Pantheons

• Myths feature pantheons from diverse cultures:
  • Greek
  • Roman
  • Norse
  • Japanese
  • Chinese
  • Hindu
  • Filipino

Nature of Myths

• Serve as explanations for natural phenomena and allegories for human experience.
• Myths derived from historical events and scripture often retain religious significance.

Mythical Creatures

• Creatures from mythology demonstrate cultural beliefs:
  • Cerberus, Sphinx, Baku, Kitsune, Aswang, Duwende, Leprechauns, Bigfoot, Sandman, Fairies, Elves.

Research Focus

• Emphasizes the importance of studying local folk literature.

Understanding Mythology

• Defined as traditional stories symbolizing cultural truths about the world.
• Explains origins of life and natural phenomena, often through oral traditions.
• Embodies cultural dogmas and religious beliefs.

Nature of Folklore

• Refers to fictional tales transmitted through generations, often with moral lessons.
• Includes a range of societal knowledge shared among common people.
• Cultures express their values, ethics, and imaginations through unique folktales.

Differences Between Mythology and Folklore

• Mythology is often tied to religious leaders; folklore is passed down from common people.
• Myths feature spiritual or supernatural characters; folklore has everyday individuals and animals.
• Folklore is generally more secular and focuses on entertainment, while mythology often has profound cultural significance.

Folk Literature Characteristics

• Encompasses a wide variety of oral narratives such as myths, legends, fables, and fairy tales.
• Typically marked by repetitions, formulas, and emotional storytelling to engage listeners.

Genres of Folk Literature

• Myths: Explain origins and are often tied to religious rituals.
• Epics: Chronicles exaggerated adventures of historical figures.
• Folktales: Primarily entertaining stories involving clever characters.
• Fairy Tales: Magical narratives usually featuring happy endings.
• Fables: Simple tales with moral lessons, often using animal characters.
• Folk Songs: Express communal emotions through music, tied to cultural rituals.

Significance of Folk Literature

• Acts as a vehicle for moral lessons and cultural values across generations.
• Enhances understanding of human behavior and diversity.
• Provides a platform for social commentary and self-reflection.
• Continues to evolve, reflecting current societal conditions, thus remaining relevant.
• Rooted in the persistent interplay between tradition and innovation, shaping cultural identities.

This quiz introduces the fascinating world of mythology and folklore from various cultures, examining their significance and the insights they provide into human nature. It covers folk literature, creation myths, and various theories related to the subject. Explore how these narratives shape our understanding of origins and desires.