Myth, Its Purpose, and the Archetypal Hero. Mythology can be defined as a collection or study of _____________. (very literal, huh?)

Introduction to Classical Mythology:The Magic and Memory of Myth

Myth, Its Purpose, and the Archetypal Hero

A. What is Mythology?

Mythology can be defined as a collection or study of _____________. (very literal, huh?)


Mythology can refer to traditional ________________________, passed down orally, in text, song, poem, teaching, drama, or via more modern methods


• These versions may be ________________________ or _________________________ versions of the events, people, or places described




•Mythology can convey _________________________ theory, ideals, and _____________________

Yet no matter what, _______________________ cultures, from _______________________________________________________________________, have myth.

...but even these are too generic and simple. A better question would be ___________________________________ cultures have myth. What purposes does myth serve?


The Purposes of Myth

What is a myth?

1. Explain the UnknownWhere does rain come from?

Where does the sun go? Where did people come from?

Ancient peoples of all parts of the globe created myths to explain the phenomena, events, and better understand the world around them, visible and otherwise.

2. To EntertainNo X-Box 1; No Netflix; no

Facebook; no cell phones; No TV

Myths served the same purpose for the ancient world as our movies, television shows, video games and music do for us today

3. To Teach Morals or ValuesHow should people behave?

What is important to our people?

In this sense, myths are used much like religious parables, fables, and movies and TV shows are today.

The Archetypal

HeroThe Story of the Hero

is not a Unique One

ArchetypeArch=RuleType=Type

Ruling Type

• Archetypes stem from the study of Swiss psychologist ___________________, who forwarded the idea of a collective unconscious that influences behavior/art/religion.

• The Myers-Briggs ____________________ Indictor test is built from his work.

• An ______________________ is a recurring ______________ of character, symbol, or situation found in the mythology, religion, and stories of all cultures.


Ruling Type

• In literature, there are many types of archetypes (think of a tropes): The hero or villain


Ruling Type

• In literature, there are many types of archetypes (think of a tropes): The wise elder


Ruling Type

• In literature, there are many types of archetypes (think of a tropes/motifs): The flood


Ruling Type

• In literature, there are many types of archetypes (think of a tropes/motifs): The dragon

MonomythMono=One

Myth=Story, tale, or explanation

• Meaning one myth

• Joseph Campbell, in his book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, analyzed how mythological heroes in all cultures have similarities, in both their person and their quest.

• All traits are not evident in every story, just common themes amongst many.

MonomythMono=One

Myth=Story, tale, or explanation

Part IBirth and

Departure Unusual circumstances of birth;

sometimes born into danger, royalty or divinity; has a sense of destiny.

Leaves family or land and lives with others; usually on the brink of manhood.

An event, sometimes traumatic, leads to adventure or quest; gives the hero a sense of purpose.

Part 2Initiation and

Quest Has a special weapon only he can wield; may be a skill or talent.

Has supernatural help or help from a god/goddess, advisor or elder.

Must prove himself many times while on adventure (conquer obstacles no one else can overcome).

Earn reward or renown (called “the ____________”)• Achieves purpose of his quest.

Part III

The Return Hero experiences atonement

with the father.• This could be making up, proving

himself worthy, or killing him.

The Consequences of Success• May have to flee or escape

persecution of others he wronged or took from;

• Now that the quest is over, the hero may have trouble readjusting to not being on the quest and learning from his experiences;

• The hero must beware the sin of hubris, excessive pride, as it can cause an unfortunate ending for him.

A Quick How-To

The Making of a Superhero

1. Name (and secret identity if applicable)

2. Origin and Background 3. Powers/Source of Powers 4. Looks (Costume, Features,

Attributes) 5. Purpose/Mission 6. Accomplishments; Rivals/Enemies 7. Allies, Sidekicks, Confidants

Documents

Myth, Its Purpose, and the Archetypal Hero. Mythology can be defined as a collection or study of _____________. (very literal, huh?)