What do I need to know about myths

What do I need to know about myths?

What is a Myth? • Cultural stories passed down through generations.

What is a Myth? • A myth expresses a culture’s thoughts, beliefs, and values. • A myth teaches lessons and moral values.

Making Sense of the World • Ancient people had no understanding of science to explain what they saw. • So, ancient people used myths to explain the natural world. • Earth, sun, moon, sky…

How did the popularity of Myths spread? • The art of storytelling! • Most early societies did not have a written language. • As a result for a long time myths were not written down. They were passed by word of mouth from father to son, from one generation to the next. • As a result versions of the same myth told in different locations differed dramatically.

Characteristics of Myths • Myths are a sacred story with symbols • Myths always teach a lesson (theme) • Myths explain the natural world (Why does the sun rise? Why is the sky blue? ) • Myths usually contain magic • In a myth, good is rewarded and evil is punished

Characteristics of Myths • Myths contain gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures • Gods and goddesses have superhuman abilities • Gods and goddesses have human emotions • Gods and goddesses may be in disguise. • Characters in myths make choices (many times bad ones)

King Midas and the Golden Touch