The essential theme behind mythology

  • Thread starter Loren Booda
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In summary, the primary archetype shared among religious mythologies is the hero or heroine. This idea has been extensively explored by Joseph Campbell in his book "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" and is known as the "monomyth." Campbell believes that myths are a way for humans to tap into the energies of the universe. When asked about offering a legend to improve on tradition, the expert summarizer declines, stating that they prefer to stick to reality.
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Loren Booda
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What is the primary archetype shared among religious mythologies?

Would you offer a legend of your own to improve on tradition?
 
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  • #2
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.
 
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  • #3
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!
 

What is the essential theme behind mythology?

The essential theme behind mythology is the attempt to explain the mysteries of the world and human existence through storytelling and symbolism.

How does mythology differ from religion?

While both mythology and religion involve stories and beliefs about supernatural beings and events, mythology is typically considered to be a collection of stories and myths from a specific culture or society, while religion involves a set of beliefs and practices that are often organized into a formal system.

What are some common elements found in myths across cultures?

Some common elements found in myths across cultures include supernatural beings or deities, creation stories, explanations for natural phenomena, and moral lessons or teachings.

Why do myths continue to be relevant in modern society?

Myths continue to be relevant in modern society because they provide insight into the human experience and offer explanations for universal questions about life, death, and the world around us. They also serve as a source of inspiration for literature, art, and popular culture.

How do myths impact our understanding of history and culture?

Myths can have a significant impact on our understanding of history and culture as they often reflect the beliefs, values, and traditions of a particular society or time period. They can also shed light on the social and cultural context in which they were created and provide valuable insights into the perspectives and experiences of different groups of people.

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