Mythology not useless afterall

Greg Bernhardt

I'm taking an intro classical mythology this semester. After several classes it's surprising to find out how much the western world incorporates mythological elements and ideas into our culture. Especially our language, but that is likely do to latin influences anyway. Also it is interesting to realize that many of our usernames here have mythological influences.

Artman

Greg, have you read the book "Decipher?"

It talks about similar mythological connections and how they were intentionally created to pass a message. It's a great read.

chroot

I use mythology to teach people the constellations.

- Warren

Mr. Robin Parsons

Ya, and I heard that my username, is mythological now too [6)]...

russ_watters

It may not be useful in a practical sense, but it can sure make you sound smarter if you can talk about it!

Njorl

I imagine most myths have information in them that was useful when they were current. They probably were how people governed their planting seasons, maintained consistant laws, and kept a similar culture to their neighbors. I bet a good story could transcend invasion. If your myths were good enough, invaders would adopt your culture rather than destroy it. Somebody should write a book, or do a TV series on PBS called "The Power of Myth" [;)]

Njorl

Monique

Could you elaborate? [8)] [?]

zoobyshoe

This sounds like a good idea, Njorl, but after ten or so years, who would remember it?

kat

The Power of Myth (Illustrated Edition) [;)]

russ_watters

Uh, yeah, uh, a little knowledge of mythology can also help prevent foot-in-mouth disease (sorry Nereid). [b(]

Monique

So what is this mythology thing all about [?]
noone explained it yet [:(]

russ_watters

Do we have a language barrier here? Mythology is the stories/legends the ancients made up. Its the basis for the constellations, for example. Zeus, Mount Olympus, Hercules, Jason and the Argonauts, the Minotar, Perseus, Icarus, etc.

Monique

So then how is mythology usefull?

Greg Bernhardt

I suppose the only way it is useful to me is because most of the terms and elements are in latin. I am I learning a little latin which is interesting because alot of our language and words are derived from latin too, especially scientific. Many companies also use latin in their company names. For example "Nike" is latin for "Victory".

Zero

I would have thought that a wider use of mythology studies would be to show how myth shapes culture and vice-versa. You can learn alot about people by looking at the myths they create. Everything from the Greek and Roman pantheons, to the Judeo-Christian myths, all the way up to modern icons such as Superman, can shed light on a people in a way that more "sterile" investigating cannot.

Monique

Oh, you mean: Despite her ancestry, Nike fought on the side of the Olympian gods against the Titans, and thus was considered a manifest representation of the victory of the Olympians.

Well, yes, that is kinda funny.

N.B. - the proper Greek pronunciation of the name Nike is "Nee kay".

Zero

Is that supposed to be a hint?[6)]