PURPOSE OF MYTH A L O O K A T T H E V I E W S O F M Y T H I C S T R U C T U R E

PURPOSE OF MYTH A L O O K A T T H E V I E W S O F M Y T H I C S T R U C T U R E

FOUR FUNCTIONS OF MYTHOLOGY There are four basic functions of mythology, according to Campbell. 1) The mystical function stories that express the awe and wonder of the universe 2) The cosmological function stories that attempt to explain the processes of nature 3) The sociological function stories that support and validate a certain social order 4) The pedagogical function stories that explain how to live a full, happy life

MYSTICAL FUNCTION The fact of that matter is that the universe in which we live is a strange, wonderful, aweinspiring, and sometimes terrifying place.

MYSTICAL FUNCTION Myths that fulfill the mystical function are myths that remind us of how strange and wonderful (and scary and miraculous) the universe really is. Ghost stories are one example of this function. Ripley s Believe It or Not stories are another.

GHOST STORIES One famous ghost story that turns into an urban legend. This version of the story is from Snopes.com.

URBAN LEGEND In addition to fulfilling the mystical function of mythology, this story is also an example of an urban legend. According to Jan Harold Brunvand, an urban legend is a story that circulates from person to person, that is retained in a group tradition, and that can be found in different versions through time and space.

NATURAL FUNCTION Stories that are told to explain something in nature fulfill the Cosmological Function, according to Campbell. In addition to many native American myths, examples can be found in the Old Testament.

THE TOWER OF BABEL The story of the Tower of Babel from Genesis explains why there are so many different languages.

SOCIOLOGICAL FUNCTION Stories told to back up, justify, or promote a certain social order fulfill the sociological function. These stories help bind people to a certain social group, or help explain to them their place within society.

DISHING THE FAMILY DIRT For example, when you tell a newcomer stories about your family to make them feel welcome or feel like a part of the family, you are using this function of storytelling.

PANDORA Another example would be the Greek myth of Pandora. Since the Greeks were a patriarchal society, they naturally created a myth to justify this social order.

PEDAGOGICAL FUNCTION The most important of the four functions, according to Campbell, is the pedagogical function. These are stories that tell us how to live, how to be happy, how to be good, how to love.

THE PARABLES OF CHRIST One example of this can be found in the New Testament. Throughout his ministry, Christ often taught by telling a story the story of the Good Samaritan or the story of the Prodigal Son, for example.

THE MEANING OF THE WORD MYTH Myth is derived from the Greek word mythos, which can mean tale, or story, and that is essentially what a myth is: a story. For further clarification, distinctions are often made between myth, i.e., true myth or myth proper, and saga or legend, and folktale.

MYTH, SAGA/LEGEND, FOLKTALE Myth: not a comprehensive term for all stories but only for those primarily concerned with the gods and their relations with mortals. Saga or legend: a story containing a kernel of historical truth, despite later fictional accretions. Folktale: a story, usually of oral origin, that contains elements of the fantastic, often in the pattern of the adventure of a hero or a heroine. Its main function is entertainment, but it can also educate with all sorts of insights. Under this rubric may be classed fairytales, which are full of supernatural beings and magic and provide a more pointed moral content. Rarely, if ever, do we find in Greek and Roman mythology, a pristine, uncontaminated example of any one of these types of story.

INSIGHTS INTO MYTH Historical Metaphysical Cosmological Sociological Psychological Aetiological Anthropological These are ways to classify a myth. You can look through any of the above lenses.

HISTORICAL Verifiable historical events reflected in mythical stories Example:

METAPHYSICAL What it means to be human-typical characteristics and limitations of humans; their relationship to a larger reality or principle. Example:

COSMOLOGICAL The universe as understood by the best science available at the time. Example:

AETIOLOGICAL Explaining the origin or cause of a custom or a fact of the physical universe. Example: Pacific Northwest myth explains the raven is black because he once flew through the hole or chimney of a house while trying to get away from Petrel after stealing fresh water from him. The raven dropped the water in various spots creating the worlds rivers.

SOCIOLOGICAL Groups that people belong to or participate invalues about group behavior; standards for admission. Example: The Odyssey/The Iliad and ideas of hospitality. (Xenia)

PSYCHOLOGICAL The struggles of individuals to become mature human beings and useful members of society. Example: Telemachus coming of age by defending his home against the suitors. He serves as a role model for those seeking a mature role in Greek society; his actions show what the society requires of a grown man.

ANTHROPOLOGICAL Culture The values and principles of a society Example: