Myth

•A traditional story, passed down through generations, that that explains why the world explains why the world is the way it isis the way it is.

• Myths represent Myths represent religious (mystical or religious (mystical or

spiritual) points of view.spiritual) points of view.• Non-scientificNon-scientific

According to scholar Joseph Campbell:

•Four purposes of myth:

1. To instill a sense of awe toward the mysteries of the universe.

2. To explain the workings of the natural world.

3. To support and validate social customs.• “Mythology defines a culture's perceptions of the world and reality, and the meaning behind the actions and symbols represented throughout daily life.”

– (Gill, S. D. Native American Religions, An Introduction)

4. To guide people through the trials of living.

Origin Myth• A culturally-accepted A culturally-accepted

explanation of how the world explanation of how the world and mankind were created.and mankind were created.

• Origin myths mirror the Origin myths mirror the originating society’s spiritual originating society’s spiritual and social beliefs and customs.and social beliefs and customs.