Write your definition on a piece of paper.

What Is Mythology?

As you watch the short film, think about the

following: What seems to be the theme or message of the

myth? Why do you think it’s still popular? What place does it seem to have in our culture

today?

Before the video

Mythology

All videos referenced in this presentation are on my YouTube

Mythology playlist.To find the playlist, go to my website, then to Links, then look for YouTube.

A set of stories or beliefs about a particular

person, institution, or situation, esp. when exaggerated or fictitious.

A sacred narrative explaining how the world and humankind assumed their present form. (Alan Dundes).

Ideology in narrative form (Bruce Lincoln). Any traditional story.

Some Definitions of Mythology

To convey religious experience To establish behavioral models To teach Myth is a modern social practice

Fantasy novels Science fiction Manga Urban legend

How Myths Are Used

The 4 Functions of Mythology

Enables human beings to accept the burdens

of life. Purpose: to inspire a sense of awe and

reverence to the great mystery of existence. To stand in complete awe of the absolute

mystery of the universe and the self.

1. Mystical

Purpose: to explain birth, death, life, time,

space, energy. This function explains the unknowns of the

universe by providing a framework to know them. Both science and religion do this.

2. Cosmological

Mythologies help maintain social norms.  

Example: in society women have their roles (cooking, cleaning, raising

children); men have their roles (earning a living, providing for

his family, head of household). The sociological function allows for consensual

agreement on what is and is not allowed (i.e., you can’t murder, steal, etc.).

Taught by parables and fables (Jesus, Socrates, Plato, Aesop)

3. Sociological

Myths support us through changes in life.

Provides rites of passage from one stage to the next.

Provides guideposts to serve as a reminder that there is a purpose. This comforts us in the entire process, as the individual remembers that he is neither the first nor last to embark upon this Hero’s Journey. 

Probably accounts for the most similarities between different myths.

4. Psychological

Assignment: Plan, script, film, and produce a

documentary that compares and contrasts two different mythologies. Explain the function or functions of the myth (see notes). Describe their similarities and differences. Conclude with a summary of how they are (or were)

important to the cultures that created them.  Can be a video or PowerPoint

Video finished length: 6 - 8 minutes PowerPoint finished length: 12 slides minimum, inclusive

of titles, credits, and sources

Assignment

Some Possibilities

Science fiction  StarTrek Star Wars Doctor Who Superheroes  Japanese monster

movies (Godzilla) Urban legends

Ghosts UFOs Zombies Vampires

Ancient myths: Greek Roman Norse Egyptian  American Indian