CHARACTERISTICS OF MYTHS LEGENDS AND FOLKTALES YRHS Miss

CHARACTERISTICS OF MYTHS, LEGENDS, AND FOLKTALES YRHS Miss Kreklewich 9 A

MYTHS, LEGENDS, AND FOLKTALES • The word “myth” commonly means “a lie” or “a false belief. ” • A “myth” is supposed to be authoritative – to present the facts, no matter how bizarre the facts may appear in relation to reality.

MYTHS, LEGENDS, AND FOLKTALES • The word “myth” gradually evolved to mean a story, with a beginning, middle, and end. • These stories have an authoritative air and they are traditional; that is, handed down by word of mouth.

MYTHS, LEGENDS, AND FOLKTALES • All the myths that we know from ancient civilizations have survived because they were written down. • As myths were told and retold they became more imaginative and complex.

MYTHS, LEGENDS, AND FOLKTALES • A legend, unlike a myth, concerns historical events or persons. • Although the legend may be partly or even largely fictional, it originated in something or some that actually existed.

MYTHS, LEGENDS, AND FOLKTALES • Folktales are traditional stories not based on history and not claiming to be true. • They tend to be stories of adventure and intrigue and are concerned with the ordinary folk of this world.

MYTHS SHARE THESE CHARACTERISTICS: • An air of worldliness • Usually relate the deeds of gods, goddesses or god-like heroes • Deal with important issues such as life, death, the structure of society • Are often set in a timeless past • Are predominantly aristocratic (noble) in tone • Contain important messages for life • Often present the model for human behaviour • Were created to entertain but also to teach values and to inspire people to live worthwhile lives • Can explain or justify social customs and institutions

MYTHS SHARE THESE CHARACTERISTICS: • Can be associated with religious rituals • Can be a magical connection to the past • Can fulfill fantasies and wishes of the present