Introduction

Statue of Greek goddess Athena 

Mythology is a massive subject. Virtually every culture that has been saturated with myth since humans began communicating with one another. Many historians agree that a form of myth has been in existence almost as long as humans have existed. From markings on Neanderthal graves to the intricate and interconnected world of Greek Mythology, humans have always sought to find meaning in their existence and surroundings. Through myth, civilizations have solidified their identities as differentiated cultures and explained to their children why nature operates the way it does. They have also given subtle moral lessons that help the next generation exist as contributing members of their culture, who will in turn pass the same lessons down to their children and grandchildren.

Like technology, mythology has evolved throughout the centuries. Religion had a great deal to do with this evolution because as technology advanced, people felt they were getting further away from nature and their deities. Because of this, religious text began to be seen as a moral compass and became the modern “myth” passed down through voice and text. In the 21st century, religious text is still relevant with some groups of society but others take the secular approach through urban legends. These stories are used, much like religious stories, to teach the listener a lesson or explain how some aspect of life came to be the way it is.

This blog analyzes many aspects of mythology: the broad history of myth across several cultures, common archetypes used and reused in myths over time, the impact religion has had on mythology over the centuries, the most common ways ancient mythology is represented and told today, the way one myth can stay the same no matter how many different cultures adopt it, and the most common interpretation of myths in the form of urban legends. This study explains myth from all sides in order to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject from ancient times to modern day.

Native Americans practicing oral tradition of storytelling