What+is+Mythology?

= MYTHS are traditional stories of possible, but not proven, historical events, or those that are widely believed to have taken place in the distant past, which serve to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon. They are typically stories written before humans' understanding of science. Myths usually involve a God or gods, heroes, and great cultural or national leaders.= = = =A common misuse of the term "myth" is to indicate something is entirely false. However, by definition, myths aren't concerned with truth or falsehood. They are simply stories people have told over the centuries to help explain the world. Many myths once believed to be true are now considered by many to be pure fiction, but even those stories that stretch the realm of possibility are believed to be true by large groups of people.... or certain elements within the stories may be considered to have really existed or happened.=

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=__ 3 MAIN TYPES OF MYTHS __=

=1. Myths that include explanations for how we came to be: Creation Myths =

=2. Myths that explain earthly phenomena such as why the seasons change or why natural disasters occur: Fertility Myths =

=3. Myths that provide a blueprint for appropriate or noble behavior in a culture: Hero Myths =

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=A MYTHOLOGY is a set of stories that explain the early beliefs belonging to a culture. A mythology may belong to an entire region, such as the Ancient Greeks or Romans; or a small sub-culture, like urban teens in the U. S.; or it may belong to a religion, such as Christianity or Buddhism or Islam. By definition, the Bible contains the mythology of the Judeo-Christian religion. Remember, to call the stories in the Bible or the Koran "myths" is not to dismiss them as false but simply to label them as what they are. Whether one believes the stories to be true or false is not a concern for those who read and study the myths as important pieces of literature. We can read and enjoy the stories, gaining an understanding and appreciation for the value the stories hold in defining a culture. Ultimately, it is fascinating to realize the commonalities among the stories from various cultures, as it shows us how much human beings have had in common over time.=

=//THE ODYSSEY// is a myth about a great Greek hero, Odysseus, later called Ulysses by the Romans who adapted the entire Greek pantheon and mythology into their own set of beliefs. The famous storyteller, Homer, told the well-known tales of //The Iliad// and //The Odyssey// so uniquely and effectively that eventually they were written down and translated into the stories we read today. Homer lived around 750 B. C., so these tales are nearly 3000 years old -- but are still enjoyed by many.=

=The tales of the Trojan Horse and the abduction of Queen Helen by Prince Paris are fabulous myths, but nobody believes they really happened. In fact, Troy was involved in numerous wars from the years 1500-1100 B. C., and they were primarily started because the Mediterranean countries who traded with those east of Troy had to pass through the great walled city to do so, often facing large taxes and tariffs. But how exciting is that? Just as Hollywood re-creates history today, taking liberties with the facts in order to enhance the stories, so did the rhapsodes of old, whose success in any kingdom was based upon their ability to enthrall their listeners.=