Foundations of Mythology

HUM/105

Mona A. Owens

2/2/15

Kerry Jones

Foundations of Mythology

        The word myth is used very vaguely in the modern world. Some of the only times you will hear this word is in a school or stumbling upon it on accident. The way a myth is used in the common world and what it’s really supposed to mean has very little difference. There are many different types of mythology from many different parts of the world. These mythological stories depict ancient history, beliefs, and different ways of life. Though it’s widely controversial to say that religion is just a bunch of myths some still believe so, while others will say differently. Which makes mythology important in modern day life because it’s a major part of everybody heritage it’s a constant reminder of who we are and where we come from and even the proper way to treat people no matter who you are.  

        Typically no one can understand why a myth is what is. So the popularly of it is that fact that it a word without boundaries. The work myth can show you fiction, fantasy, or false belief. Within that there are not boundaries on who, what, where, or how you depict a myth. So in understanding that, popularly the word myth is used to depict fiction or fancy. The statement it is a myth means simply, “it not true!”  It’s been fictionalized. Myths have been glamorized and idealized with phenomenon. Using myth in an academic context shows the ability to bring in an understanding of the power to provoke people into believing or at least having a discussion on the myth. This statement creates the concept that there may be truth in the myth. This then begins the analyzing of possibilities of the situation and the possibility of the occurrences. The definition of myth to me shows a grandiose tale that uses real people with extraordinary abilities to get extraordinary results.

        There is no rhyme or reason to the cultural perception of myth. Science and religion myths have not variable that distinctively make them different. Not even research studies have shown that there is a difference that will allow us to attempt to find a clear cut difference in one type of myth from another. Some myths go as far as becoming history. It just goes to show the similarity of the human mind and spirit. Regardless of our cultures, gender, skin color, or background will have the same understanding given the same experiences and surroundings. Myths explain the unknown and tribulations of mankind by showing how we are able to overcome, conquer and adjust to the situation put in front of us. Mankind is not always aware of what is to come but the myth makes it appear that we were ready for it and we just didn’t know it.

        The relationship between belief, knowledge, mythology and religion is the belief that anything is possible. This is what all four of these words stem from the understanding that things do happen and it could even occur that way. Religions show faith in the belief it could happen. Belief shows knowledge of how it my happen. Knowledge shows and understanding of how and why it would have happened. Lastly, mythology put the strength of the great feat that happened. Myth and religion functions as a coping mechanism that is there to help people to understand that change is what happens, suffering will always occur but good comes out of it, loss is expected, and death is inevitable. Bring it all together with the hope that people will use these as tools to help them get through things and survive.  This function in itself can be thought to be a myth.