An Introduction People have always tried to understand why certain things happen. For example, they have wanted to know why the sun rises, what causes lightening, how the earth was created and where humanity first appeared. In earlier times and in some parts of the world today people explain natural events in terms of stories about gods and heroes. Such stories are called myths and the study of myths is called mythology. Myth: A traditional story, concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events. Mythology: The study of myths or a body of myths. The origins of myths are unclear but many people have made various arguments Three possible origins are: 1) Historical Events 2) Allegories (stories in which characters, events, settings symbolize or represent larger ideas and concepts) 3) Personification (giving human qualities to something that is not human; for example, the sun smiled over the mountains) One theory claims that myths are distorted accounts of real historical events According to this theory, storytellers repeatedly elaborated upon historical accounts until the figures in those accounts gained the status of gods Example: one might argue that the myth of the wind god, Aeolus, evolved from a historical account of a king who taught this people to use sails and interpret the winds Some theories propose that myths began as allegories. Allegories: a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal hidden meaning According to one theory, myths began as allegories for natural phenomena: Apollo represents fire, Poseidon represents water, and so on. According to another theory, myths began as allegories for philosophical or spiritual concepts: Athena represents wise judgment, Aphrodite represents desire, etc. 1
Some thinkers believe that myths resulted from the personification of inanimate objects and forces. According to these thinkers, the ancients worshipped natural phenomena such as fire and air, gradually coming to describe them as gods, According to some, myths have four main functions: 1. Mystical Function: experiencing the awe of the universe 2. Cosmological Function: explaining the shape of the universe 3. Sociological Function: supporting and validating a certain social order 4. Pedagogical Function: teaching how to live a human lifetime under any circumstances There are many different kinds of myths from many different cultures. Some myths we will be looking at in this class are: Creation Myths Trickster and Transformer Myths Monster and Monster Killer Myths Romance of Warrior Myths Journey and Adventure Myths Originated in ancient Greece Greeks imagined their gods/goddesses to have human characteristics both physically and emotionally Greek myths often: Explain the creation of something Depict the struggle between good and evil Show the relationship between mortals and supernatural A hero s quest Roman mythology originated in ancient Rome Roman mythology came to be after Greek mythology A lot of Roman myths are borrowed from the Greeks Roman mythology shares a lot of similarities with Greek mythology with only a change of names Below is a list of some of the names: Greek Names Aphrodite Apollo Hades Zeus Venus Apollo Pluto Jupiter Roman Names Native Canadian mythology consists of three kinds of myths: Creation Myths these describe the origin of the cosmos Trickster Myths where there is a comical character who steals fire, water, animals, etc. and sets them loose into the world Culture Hero Myths human beings with supernatural power bring the world into order 2
The employment of mythological figures for the purpose of self- promotion was and is common. In the past, individuals and families often linked themselves to a famous figure or story from a myth. Mythological figures continue to be used in similar ways in modern- day society. As they are such recognizable and meaning- laden figures, modern advertising cannot help but to use them to promote various products. Linking themselves to a myth not only serves to publicize them, but also links them to the same sorts of qualities that are represented by the particular myth. Just as the Ancients did, modern day advertisers use mythological figures to make a connection with their audience, as well as provide information about their product, through a comparison with the qualities of their mythical figure. It empowers advertisers to encompass a great deal of information in minimal space. AJAX Ajax is a Greek warrior in the Trojan War who "cleaned up" in battle. The product Ajax is a popular household cleanser. Hercules is the Roman name for Heracles, the greatest Greek hero. A company called Hercules makes a top- selling video graphics card. Their slogan is Legendary Strength, Quality and Performance. Medusa is a terrible monster whose glance could petrify you. In some versions, she was once a beautiful maiden. She is killed by the hero Perseus Medusa Cement Company sells cement products worldwide. 3
Nike is the winged goddess of Victory who can run and fly at great speeds. The company Nike sells shoes and sportswear that allow athletes to move swiftly and be victorious. Pandora is the first woman in Greek mythology, whose name means "all- gifted Pandora's Gift Boutique sells higher end gift merchandise like jewellery. The idea of a heroic quest is something that is common in the world of mythology. Quest: A long adventure in search of a special treasure or to accomplish a special deed. Hero: A person who is someone different from the ordinary and who accomplishes something great or overcomes unbeatable obstacles. He or she follows a regular series of steps in an adventure and becomes a hero along the way. A hero is different from an idol: Hero a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his or her brave deeds and noble qualities. Idol any person or thing regarded with blind admiration, adoration, or devotion. Phase One: Birth A hero/heroine will usually have strange circumstances surrounding his or her birth These circumstances may include: o a. Having gods or royalty for parents o b. Having his life threatened in some way o c. Having be seen as a threat to the government/authority o d. A trick having to be played to save the child Phase Two: Destiny A hero will have a specific role that he is to fulfill in his life (often prophesied, foretold) Phase Three: The Quest A hero will have at least one seemingly impossible task he must perform to prove his worth 4
Phase Four: The Journey Home Usually, a hero s quest will involve a lengthy and dangerous journey (either to or from the Quest) Phase Six: Romantic Elements A Greek hero will almost always be involved in some kind of romance during his adventure Phase Five: The Reward A hero will always gain some kind of reward from his actions (fame, fortune, status, or a prize) 1. THE ORDINARY WORLD/BIRTH The hero leaves his/her familiar world. Sometimes extra- ordinary circumstances surround the birth, establishing the hero s pedigree. 2. CALL TO ADVENTURE The hero is called to adventure by some external event or messenger. The hero may accept the call willingly or reluctantly. 3. MENTOR/HELPERS/AMULET During the early stages of the journey, the hero will often receive aid from a protective (and often supernatural) figure. The helper commonly gives the hero a protective weapon or amulet for the journey. 4. CROSSING THE THRESHOLD Upon reaching the threshold of adventure, the hero must undergo some sort of ordeal in order to pass from the everyday world into world of adventure. This trial may be as painless as entering a cave or as violent as being swallowed by a whale. An important feature is a contrast between familiar world and unknown world of adventure. (This is where the adventure really begins.) 5. TESTS (ALLIES/ENEMIES) The hero must undergo series of tests, which can include encounters with monsters, warriors or forces of nature. Each successful test further proves the hero s ability and advances the journey. In learning the new rules of the world, the hero also makes friends and enemies. 6. HELPERS The hero is often accompanied by or encounters along the way a helper who assists in the series of tests and generally serves as a loyal companion. 5
7. SUPREME ORDEAL (CLIMAX/FINAL BATTLE) The hero then has to face the greatest challenge. S/he is brought to the brink of death in a battle with malevolent forces (monster, wizard, warrior). This is the critical moment in the hero s journey which leads to the resolution of the adventure. 8. FLIGHT After accomplishing the mission, the hero must return to threshold of adventure and prepare for return to everyday world. If the hero has angered the opposing forces, the return might take the form of a hasty flight. 9. RETURN (RESURRECTION) The hero again crosses the threshold of adventure and returns to everyday world. The return usually takes the form of an awakening, rebirth, or a simple emergence from a cave/forest. Sometimes the hero is pulled back by a force from the everyday world. 10. ELIXIR. The object, knowledge or blessing that the hero acquired on the journey is now used in everyday world. It may have healing functions and helps define the hero s role in society. 11. HOME The hero returns home with the elixir. Often home is restored or set aright, thereby completing the heroic cycle. 1. Call to adventure: An emergency or great challenge arises in the hero s world. 2. The Tool Kit: The hero begins to accumulate: (A) new knowledge and skills, (B) a mentor, and (C) tools and special objects. 1. Entry into the Monstrous World: This world does not have to be a fantasy world, but it is very different from the hero s community. 2. Tests and Trials: The hero faces dangers and risks. 3. Supreme Ordeal: The hero faces an ultimate special task will prove his worth. 4. Reward: The hero s triumph is rewarded. 5. Return Home: The hero s community recognizes the hero s accomplishments. Roman Name: Jupiter God of the sky Weapon is the thunderbolt 6
Roman Name: Pluto God of the underworld (realm of the dead) Brother of Zeus Roman Name: Venus Goddess of love Known to be sweet, delicate, and beautiful A common character in Native mythology Often portrayed as a trickster figure Purpose is usually to try and educate the reader about some kind of problem in society 7