Foundations of Mythology Case

Foundations of Mythology

Katherina Velsh

HUM 105

April 20th, 2015

Diana Bernstein

Foundations of Mythology

Short Answers

Q: What are three different definitions for myth in Chapter 1 of Myth and Knowing? Which definition is most like the one you have used to this point? How is your definition the same as one of the ones in the text?

A: In the beginning of the chapter, it states that myths are used to answer basic, fundamental questions about where humans came from, how the world became to exist, how the universe has evolved, who we (humans) are, what our purpose is, what our role is, how we must behave and the consequences we reap after “good” or “bad” behavior. The chapter also tell us that myths can be seen as ancient narratives that were orally expressed through cultures and generations. Another definition of myth derives from the Greek work mythos, which can be translated into the meaning of word or story. It also means that mythos is derived from “divinely inspired, poetic utterance” (Leonard & McClure, 2004, Chapter 1). This definition is adopted from Hesiod’s Theogony. When Plato came along, he had forever complicated the definition of mythos because he acknowledged it as being the same meaning as falsehood and this can be seen as ironic because Plato used his own version of mythos to mean both a lie and a truth (Leonard & McClure, 2004, Chapter 1).

Q: What is the definition Leonard and McClure decide to use for “myth” in the text after discussing the various definitions? Explain why Leonard and McClure’s definition is suitable for an academic context while others are not.

A: I believe Leonard and McClure were trying to define “myth” as ancient narratives but are not actual facts. They state that myths are not “dead” but are living messages that to this day people compose or recite as well as perform in their own unique ways to answer the basic question, like stated above, about how we humans perform basic functions and why (Leonard & McClure, 2004, Chapter 1). I’m not sure exactly the right answer to why Leonard and McClure’s definition is suitable for an academic context and others not, but my opinion is because they do not define myth as entirely folklore and something that is to be disregarded as fictitious. They instead define it as something that needs to be taught so that we understand culture, language, ancient people and their traditions better. It also lets us into their world that otherwise would not be possible. They also do not state that myths are necessarily accurate and true, but rather a study to understand the ancient myths better to catch a glimpse of heritages.