Mythology Study Guide PDF

Tab 1 Feb 5 Introduction to mythology Lesson ​ Define myths and explain the rationale behind studying mythology ​ Identify and characterize the evolution of mythology through its four forms What is mythology? ​ The study of myths ○​ Myths are stories about supernatural bei...

Tab 1 Feb 5 Introduction to mythology Lesson ​ Define myths and explain the rationale behind studying mythology ​ Identify and characterize the evolution of mythology through its four forms What is mythology? ​ The study of myths ○​ Myths are stories about supernatural beings handed down orally ​ Mythology includes a collection of stories about given people expressing their beliefs and values Forms ​ Myths ○​ Stories by which ancient people attempted to account for things, which they experienced ​ Had many authors ○​ Attempted to explain things ​ Nature, gods, man ○​ Tolf of supernatural being who looked like man, but escaped the limitations that bound humans ○​ Early myths were simple and developed from early animistic deities ○​ Attempted to explain natural phenomena ​ Legends ○​ Deal with supernatural figures found in myths ​ Contain a fraction of actual historical truth ​ Also passed down orally (multiple voices) ○​ Central characters: hero-a mortal man who performed wonderful deeds ​ Epics ○​ Long narratives with a noble hero, who performs great deeds of valour ​ Written by one person ○​ National in character​ ​ Designed to arouse in its readers or listeners a great pride in their country ​ Drama ○​ Linked to mythology as classical drama was the first dramatization of mythology ​ The product product of one author ○​ Focussed on an author‘s attempt to find understanding of the human situation The forms ​ The evolution of the forms of mythology illustrates man’s “rational thinking” ○​ Shift from multiple authors to one author ​ Focus shifted from supernatural beings to an analysis and explanation of human nature ○​ Move from gods being the central focus, to humans Feb 6 Greek mythology Lesson ​ Characterized Greek myths in terms of their components and purpose ​ Explain the purpose of studying mythology, and how it is referenced in today’s society Ancient greeks ​ Made up some of the most fascinating tales ​ Called their stories “myths” ○​ Greek for “tales” or “stories” ​ Attempted to explain the origins of man, the Earth, the gods Characteristics of myths ​ Contains the following elements 1.​ Gods and goddesses 2.​ A hero of some kind 3.​ Supernatural elements 4.​ An explanation of a natural phenomenon 5.​ Spoken orally Greek mythology ​ The gods had to be treated well ○​ Animals were sacrificed and temples were built in their honour ○​ Songs were composed to praise them ​ Meant to show honour and respect Why did ancient people tell myths ​ To help explain the unexplainable ​ To account for natural phenomenon ​ To retail the glory of heroes ​ To explain human nature ​ To teach morals and values Why do we Study Mythology Studying mythology ​ Broadens our understanding of ancient ​ Visible impact on the development of English literature as well ​ Learn about values and moral ​ Entertainment value Relating to mythology ​ Forms the basic modern ​ Integrated within popular  ​ Provides clearly defined characters (archetypal HEROES & VILLAINS) ​ Helps children unravel their own confusion about things they do not understand Understanding mythology ​ Psychologist ○​ See in myths the expression of the subconscious ​ Theologians ○​ Study religion and myths to understand people ​ Students of literature ○​ Need to understand myths in order to understand poetry and other works of literature Feb 7 ​ Literary devices: Archetypal Lesson ​ Define and characterize archetypes identifying and explaining their function as a literary device Archetype ​ A type of character situation or symbol that represents the universal pattern of the human nature ○​ Universal symbols