Introduction to Mythology

Introduction to Mythology

• Mythology is the study of myths.
• Myths are traditional stories, often explaining natural events or the early history of a people.
• Myths typically involve supernatural beings and events.
• Mythos (Greek) means speech, thought, word, discourse, or conversation.
• Myths are often conveyed orally.

Myth Definition

• A traditional story, particularly one about the early history of a people or explaining something natural or societal.
• Myths commonly involve supernatural beings or events.

Logos/Logy

• Logic or knowledge of something.
• Science of something or a learned discourse about something.

Mythology Definition

• The study and knowledge of myths.
• A collection of myths from a specific culture or region (e.g., Greek mythology, Norse mythology).

Mythic

• Related to mythology.
• Legendary, very famous (especially of people).
• Used for exaggeration (related to false information).

Mythopoeic

• Relating to the composition of myths (mythopoeic age, mythopoeic society).

Mythmaking

• The practice of creating myths.

Functions of Mythology

• Explaining the world: Myths are used to explain natural phenomena (e.g., earthquakes, thunder, storms, fertility of the soil) and the creation of the world.
• Religious belief system: Mythology often served as a religious system, particularly polytheistic systems in ancient Greece. It lacked a sacred book but served to guide society with its rules and punishment/reward system.
• Moral lesson: Mythology often presents morals and behaviors necessary for an organized and peaceful society. Often through heroic narratives, role models are shown, though the heroes aren't perfect. Their strengths and weaknesses teach and instruct.
• Entertainment: Myths gather people by sharing common feelings, acted as a form of pastime, and were a bridge between the sacred and secular. Storytelling is a fundamental human instinct shown through myths.
• History: Myths contain historical references to eras before written records. Examples can be found in myths about events like the Trojan War, floods, etc.
• Psychological manifestation: Jung, Freud, and Campbell viewed myths as reflections of a universal and collective unconscious, showing universal human needs, desires, and fears. Different mythologies reflect cultural, social, geographical, political, and economic differences.

Questions About Mythology

• Why did myths emerge in the first place?
• Why do myths still survive?
• Why do we still enjoy myths?
• How did myths shape culture?
• Why are myths re-created and re-represented in art and literature?
• What are fundamental questions of humanity that mythology addresses?

Questions Mythology Addresses

• Who am I?
• Where do I come from?
• What awaits after death?
• What is the nature of the universe?
• What is my relationship with the universe?
• What do I need to survive on this world?
• Am I responsible for my actions?
• What are my responsibilities toward my family, society, government, and faith?
• How can I live with dignity?
• How can I accept the inevitability of death?

Formation of Greek Society

• Early settlements in Southwest Asia and Europe (45,000-40,000 BC)
• Human habitation in Southeastern Greece (20,000 BC)
• Evidence of agriculture and settlements (10,000-8,000 BC)
• Greeks/Mycenaeans emerged as a group (1700-1500 BC)
• Adoption of the Phoenician alphabet (950-750 BC)
• First Olympic Games (776 BC)
• Oral literature became written (750-500 BC) - The Odyssey and Iliad
• Greeks began writing myths (700 BC)

Ancient Greek Society

• [Map of Ancient Greece]
• [Social Structure of Ancient Greece] - Included Social Classes in Athens (Upper Class/Athens, Middle Class/Metics, Lower Class/Freedmen, and slaves). Information includes roles and rights of each class.
• Patriarchy and Nuclear Family Structure
• Monogamy
• Social Structure Shaped Greek Mythology.
• [Political Structure in Ancient Greece] - City-states (polis) emerged around 750 BC encompassing Athens, Sparta, etc. Polis consisted of a city centre and surrounding settlements. Each Polis had a protecting deity. Free men had political rights and forms of oligarchy, tyranny, and democracy were apparent.
• [Economy of Ancient Greece] - Included Agriculture (Olive, Wine, Grains, Livestock, Fishing, Honey, Spices), Trade (Europe, North Africa, Black Sea Coast, Greek City States, Asia Minor Trade, Slave Trade), and Handicrafts (Metallurgy, Pottery, Textiles.

Basic Characteristics of Greek Mythology

• Stories about gods, goddesses, demigods, and mortals.
• Explanations of natural phenomena.
• Magic, superpower, and superhuman powers are common.
• Gods and goddesses are often anthropomorphic, with human-like emotions, and descend to interfere in human lives.
• Gods and goddesses are involved in incest and adultery.
• Myths have changed and transformed through time.
• Varying versions of the same myth can exist.

Greek Mythology vs. Roman Mythology

• [Map showing extent of the Roman Empire in 117 AD] – Visual representation of the Empire's extent.
• Roman Mythology draws on Greek mythology.
• Romans adopted and adapted Greek mythology to their culture.
• Deities and storylines are parallel in both mythologies, with Greek gods adopting Latin names.

Main Sources of Greek and Roman Mythology

• [Table listing major sources] – Including Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, Hesiod's Theogony and Works and Days, Anonymous/Apollodorus, and Virgil's and Ovid’s Works

Explore the fascinating world of mythology, where traditional stories explain natural events and the early history of peoples. This quiz delves into definitions, themes, and the role of myths in different cultures. Discover how myths have shaped understanding and discourse throughout history.