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References

Davies, Simon E. (n.d.) "Map of World Mythology". Retrieved from: http://

metalgaia.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/964390_329719203820336_925162630_o.jpg

Edgar. F. (1994). Prometheus Gives Fire to Man in Greek and Roman Mythology (pp. 21-24).

Quincy, IL: Mark Twain, Inc

Forest, Raymond P. (1975) Greek and Roman Mythology. Greenfield, MA: Channing L. Bete

Co.

Prometheus stealing fire from Olympus. (n.d.) Retrieved from: http://

www.greekmyths-greekmythology.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/prometheus-fire.jpg

Comparative Mythology

WikiImages (n.d.) Fresco, Mural, Charon, Morpheus, Greek Mythology. Retrieved from: http://

pixabay.com/en/fresco-mural-charonmorpheus-63216/?oq=mayan%20mythology

A Brief History & Common Features

Comparative Storytelling

(Part One)

Major Works

Why study Mythology?

  • "The Hero With A Thousand Faces" by Joseph Campbell (Comparative Mythology)
  • "The Greek Myths" by Robert Graves (Greek Mythology)
  • The Poetic Edda & The Prose Edda, attributed to Snorri Sturulson (Norse Mythology)
  • The Illiad & The Odyssey by Homer
  • The Epic of Gilgamesh
  • The Bhagavad Gita (foundations of Hinduism)
  • The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Egyptian funeral text)

For the most part, the majority of the stories that fall under the genre header of "mythology" are pretty ancient. So why study them? Here are few reasons:

  • The stories (and their analysis) give us a better understanding of the foundations of the cultures from which they emanate.
  • Studying mythology is an important component of many other disciplines including history, literature, sociology and anthropology.
  • There are allusions to these stories in a wide variety of art forms. Understanding the stories can provide a better understanding of the art they've inspired.
  • Often times, understanding the mythology of a given culture can provide valuable insight into the language(s) used by that culture

Common Features of Global Mythological Traditions

What is Mythology?

While mythological stories differ from culture to culture, there are a few elements common to the majority of these traditions. There is even an academic discipline known as "comparative mythology" dedicated to studying the similarities and differences of these traditions.

These common elements include:

  • Using myths to explain natural phenomena and spiritual beliefs.
  • Using myths to share morals (beliefs about good/bad behavior)
  • Using heroes and/or Gods as the protagonist and having the plot revolve around their adventures, struggles and tragedies.
  • Originally passed down orally, these traditions eventually were put into writing and it is this literature that allows us access to the stories today

Myths are special kinds of stories used to give meaning and values to people, places and things.

They were used centuries ago to provide explanations for certain traditions or unexplainable natural processes.

Most major cultures have their own collection of myths (cultural mythology)

Which tradition are you a part of?

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