MYTHOLOGY, LEGENDS AND FOLKLORE WHAT IS MYTHOLOGY? • Mythology can refer to the collected myths of a group of people—their collection of stories they tell to explain nature, history, and customs—or to the study of such myths. • Mythology is a vital feature of every culture. • The study of myth dates back to ancient history. • Mythology is now often sharply distinguished from didactic literature such as fables, but its relationship with other traditional stories, such as legends and folktales, is much more vague. • Main characters in myths are usually gods, demigods, or supernatural humans, while legends generally feature humans as their main characters. However, many exceptions or combinations exist, as in the Iliad, Odyssey, and Aeneid. Myths are often endorsed by rulers and priests and are closely linked to religion or spirituality. In fact, many societies group their myths, legends, and history together, considering myths to be true accounts of their remote past. A myth is a story used to explain one or more of three basic things: Natural Phenomena, Social Customs/Tradition, and Human Behavior TO EXPLAIN NATURAL PHENOMENA (Cosmological Function of Myth) • • • • Creation and extinction Storms, weather, geological functions, the sun and moon Agricultural/fertility cycles The seasons TO EXPLAIN SOCIAL SYSTEMS (Sociological Function of Myth) • • • • Traditions Changes in ruler or ruling class Dietary rules/forbidden customs Changes in the status of particular groups (such as women)Relationships among nations TO EXPLAIN HUMAN BEHAVIOR (Humanistic Function of Myth) Explains elements of human nature such as: • Hopes, beliefs, aspirations • Pride, envy, ambition, honor, trust, generosity, love, etc. Two Important Elements of Myth • SUPERNATURAL ELEMENTS: Myths deal with gods and superhuman heroes (individuals with abilities beyond those of ordinary mortals.)Which is very important. But, in the words of a famous Greek philosopher, “Wisdom begins with sense.” – Aristotle • Which simply means that as humans, our sensual experience of the world is what defines everything! What we see, touch, taste, hear, and smell is what allows us to understand the world. Two Important Elements of Myth • ANTHROPOMORPHIC ELEMENTS -Myths explain things in away that makes sense to humans. The supernatural is directly involved in human experience. Even gods have human emotions and are motivated by human desires like lust, envy, revenge, etc. PRIMARY TYPES OF MYTHS • DIVINE MYTH • In religious terms, divinity or godhead is the state of things that come from a supernatural power or deity, such as a god, supreme being, creator deity, or spirits, and are therefore regarded as sacred and holy. Such things are regarded as "divine" due to their transcendental origins or because their attributes or qualities are superior or supreme relative to things of the Earth. • Divine things are regarded as eternal and based in truth, while material things are regarded as ephemeral and based in illusion. Such things that may qualify as "divine" are apparitions, visions, prophecies, miracles, and in some views also the soul, or more general things like resurrection, immortality, grace, and salvation. Otherwise what is or is not divine may be loosely defined, as it is used by different belief systems. • Creation myths particularly, take place in a primordial age when the world had not yet achieved its current form. Other myths explain how a society's customs, institutions, and taboos were established and sanctified. • A separate space is created for folktales, which are not considered true by the people who tell them. As stories spread to other cultures or as faiths change, myths can come to be considered folktales, sometimes even to the point of being reinterpreted as one. Its divine characters are recast as either as humans or demi humans such as giants, elves, and faeries. OTHER TYPES OF MYTHS 1. Heroic myths: Revolving around heroic figures, these myths often narrate the adventures, challenges, and accomplishments of legendary heroes. Example: the myth of Hercules in Greek mythology, detailing his twelve labors and heroic feats. 2. Cosmogonic myths: Similar to creation myths, these focus specifically on the origins of the universe. Example: in Hindu mythology, the Rigveda contains hymns describing the creation of the universe, featuring the cosmic man Purusha. 3. Aetiological myths: These myths explain the causes or reasons behind natural phenomena, customs, or traditions. Example: the Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone explains the changing seasons as a result of Persephone's time spent in the underworld. 4. Trickster myths: Centered around mischievous and clever characters who use wit and cunning to achieve their goals. Example: the native American trickster figure coyote, known for his cunning and often humorous antics. 5. Folktales: Example: Aesop's Fables, such as "The Tortoise and the Hare," are moral tales that share similarities with myths but are typically shorter and more focused on lessons. 6. Myths of the Gods/Divine myth: Example: Norse mythology includes stories of the Aesir and Vanir gods, such as Odin, Thor, and Loki, and their interactions with each other and the world. 7. Apocalyptic Myths: Narratives about the end of the world, often involving catastrophic events and divine intervention. Example: The biblical Book of Revelation describes apocalyptic events leading to the end of the world and the establishment of a new order. 8. Moral or Didactic Myths: Stories that convey moral lessons or ethical teachings. Example: The ancient Greek myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods to benefit humanity, is often interpreted as a story about the consequences of defying divine authority. LEGENDS • A legend (Latin, legenda, "things to be read") is a narrative of human actions that are perceived both by teller and listeners to take place within human history and values to possess certain qualities that give the tale verisimilitude. Legend, for its active and passive participants, includes no happenings that are outside the realm of "possibility" but which may include miracles. • Legends may be transformed over time, in order to keep it fresh and vital, and realistic. Many legends operate within the realm of uncertainty, never being entirely believed by the participants, but also never being resolutely doubted. FOLKTALES • A folktale (also spelled folk tale) is a story or legend forming part of an oral tradition. Folktales are generally passed down from one generation to another and often take on the characteristics of the time and place in which they are told. • The most famous work on Filipino folktales is Philippine Folk Tales by Mabel Cook Cole. It is the first comprehensive popular collection of folk tales of the islands. She spent four years among the tribes of the Philippines in the early 20th century while her husband was engaged in ethnological work for the Field Museum of Natural History. ELEMENTS OF A MYTH OR LEGEND 1. CHARACTER Characters are very few, animated, inanimate, or personified gods or humans with supernatural or god-like traits. Also, the gods or super-heroes may take the form of a human, but are immortal with supernatural powers. 2. SETTING The story typically takes place in the past, and the setting is relevant to the culture from which it originates. ELEMENTS OF A MYTH OR LEGEND 3. PLOT AND THEME The story usually involves characters facing difficult obstacles to overcome. The characters struggle with their fate or destiny as the story unfolds and explains a natural phenomena, religious practice/s, or human nature. It offers a straightforward moral or a lesson for life. 4. POINT OF VIEW The story is written from the third person point of view. It reflects upon a society’s culture, values, and beliefs and the frail nature or weakness of human beings. The readers will believe that the main characters are capable of overcoming any obstacle in their path and succeed. ELEMENTS OF A MYTH OR LEGEND 5. ORAL TRADITION The story has been passed on from generation to generation through oral tradition (prior to printing);thus, some versions may slightly vary from another. It is done purposely to teach a set of values to a younger generation.