Myths

Origin Myths

• Recount origins of earthly life

• Myth - Anonymous, oral story, explains natural phenomenon, makes sense of the world

• Exist across cultures

Creation Myths

• Explains:

  • Beginning of human life

  • Religious Rites

  • Landmarks

  • Animals

  • Events outside of human control

Purposes

• Establish cultural values

• Support and validate social customs

• Give people order/identity

• Help people through difficult times

• Explain the workings of the natural world

• Understand the mysteries of the world

Archetypes

Archetype - Model or ideal character, widely recognized and repeated across genres and cultures.

Archetype Examples

• Hero

• Loner

• Trickster (loki my goat fr)

• Angel

• Devil

• Mentor

• Small Determined Character (lil bro got that gumption)

• Mother

• Disobedient Child

• Very Obedient Child

• Source of nutrition/life

Native American Origin Myths

Emphasize a strong spiritual bond between the creator, humanity, and nature.

Maintaining balance between the creator, humanity, and nature is important

Community events

Drums were often used to keep rhythm, helped with memory and communed with nature

Common Conflict: Ancient vs. modern life

Common Theme: Circle of life

Common Symbols: Fire, water, land, wind

Cultural Values

• Honoring family

• Respecting elders

• Maintaining harmony and balance with nature

• Sharing with the community

• Preserving/conservation cultural and oral traditions

• Community > individual

• Bravery

• Personal Responsibility

• Nature and animals have the same amount of value as humans

• Genuine kindness over niceties