INTRODUCTION TO MYTHOLOGY

WHAT IS A MYTH?
Myths are the oldest and most powerful of all story forms.They often carry an important message for a culture or group.

Myths are stories that give people a relationship with the universe, the passing of time and with their environment. Some myths give the official view of creation, others are a way to explain natural events.

Myths were passed on by spoken word, and their function was to explain, to teach lessons, and to entertain.

SPECIAL FEATURES OF A MYTH:
- it explains how life started, or explain natural events.
- it involves some supernatural power
- the story is not about a real event

MYTHS, LEGENDS AND FOLKTALES?

• legends are not true; based on fact, such as a real person or event
• the hero myths are the most like legends
• but legendary heroes such as Robin Hood usually have historical roots
• while mythical heroes don't
• legends: focus on the adventure plot rather than message

Myths, legends and folktales

• folktales tend to be about ordinary people and animals
• set in a particular time period
• nature myths are a bit like folktales
• purpose of folktales is more for entertainment
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