The essential theme behind mythology

  • Thread starter Thread starter Loren Booda
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the primary archetype found in religious mythologies, with a strong emphasis on the 'hero' or 'heroine' archetype as articulated by Joseph Campbell in his work on hero mythology. Campbell's concept of the monomyth, or the Hero's Journey, is highlighted as a significant framework for understanding these narratives. The conversation also touches on the idea of creating new legends to enhance traditional myths, although one participant expresses a reluctance to do so, citing a preference for reality over myth-making. An example from West African creation stories is mentioned, illustrating themes of temptation and divine interaction, which further supports the notion of shared archetypal narratives across cultures.
Loren Booda
Messages
3,108
Reaction score
4
What is the primary archetype shared among religious mythologies?

Would you offer a legend of your own to improve on tradition?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Loren Booda said:
What is the primary archetype shared among religious mythologies?
I think there are many rather than a single archtype - but a key one is the 'hero' or 'heroine'. Joseph Campbell has written extensively on hero mythology.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hero_with_a_Thousand_Faces
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monomyth

MonoMyth Chart of Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey

http://www.jcf.org/about_jc.php

"Myth is the secret opening through which the inexhaustible energies of the cosmos pour into human manifestation..." (Joseph Campbell, Hero with a Thousand Faces)


Would you offer a legend of your own to improve on tradition?
No - I'm am too reality based.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Joseph Campbell tells of a West African creation story where Man and Woman are tempted by Snake to eat from the fruit of the garden, under the auspices of God Unumbotte. Talk about convergent evolution!
 
Back
Top