HUMANITIES 231

Alarcon, Clarissa S. BEng I-B

Prof. J.M. Pallasigui March

15, 2011

LESSON 5: MYTHOLOGY

Assignment in Introduction to Mythology

Questions:

.1 Give 5 examples of myths as a written form of magnificent literature.

Beowulf

Cupid and Psyche

King Arthur

Iliad and Odyssey

The Trojan War

.2 Give an example why myths in a modern society are considered as

conscious and symbolic creation designed to embody an abstract idea.

Myth contains ideas to give meaning and explanation to certain matters.

It presents a complicated concept and make it appropriate to the target
population. An example is the way how Jesus presents his abstract idea
understandable to the masses by using stories or parables. He tells the story
of a Good Samaritan to show in its simplest form the broad idea of universal
brotherhood.

.3 How do myths contribute in science like archaelogy, anthropology and

psychology?

In archaelogy, myth serves as the logical reference that offers acceptable

explanations to some of the present artifacts of man through the analysis of
physical remains. A good example is when Schliemann excavated and
discovered the site of Troy in 1879 which lent some credence to the legend of
the Trojan War.

In anthropology, myth serves as the comparative study of societies and

cultures and the science of of human zoology and evolution. It shows that
gods and humans are alike in terms of propagation.

In Psychology, myth serves as amusement to various, if not all ages. It

targets human imagination and intutive faculty. It oftens references the
attitudes, character and personality of mythological personages.

.4 Describe metaphysical hero.

Metaphysical hero is a type of hero under heoric saga who sets out on a
strange quest. Their journey is to overcome death and failure to bring
goodness to humans. Metaphysical heroes fights forces within themselves in
order to become a better individual.

.5 Describe the different categories of heroes.

5.1. Primitive or Monster Slayer – this type clears the earth of ghastly
menaces and makes it safe for human habitation.

Examples:

.i Beowulf kills an ogre, an ogress and a dragon.

.ii Heracles is a more advanced type because he does not only

kills monters, he captures beasts to domesticate.

5.2. Warrior Heroes

.1 Pure Type – this type fights for personal glory and fame, never
mind what the cause of the war may be. This hero has no fear of
death, lives by a rigid code of honor, and is permeated with the
feeling that life is worthless but very delicious. A warrior like this
lives to die in battle, winning is renown for generations.

Example: Achilles and the Norse heroes have no fear for

death.

.2 A warrior who fights for a dying but illuminated culture, and one
he knows is doomed.
 Examples:

.i Hector fights for Troy and for his family but these
responsibilities tend to encumber him when he met
Achilles, who has no fear for death and is dedicated to
killing.

.ii King Arthur who is fatally wounded in battle by his

illegitimate son, Modred.

.3 A warrior hero who seeks to establish kingship or build a city.

Example: Aeneas fights for a new and coming civilization with

the force of destiny in his breast.

5.3. Metaphysical Heroes – this type of hero sets out on a strange quest.
Their journey is to overcome death and failure to bring goodness to
humans.

Example: Buddha conquers within himself all the urges that

prevent enlightenment.

6. Why are myths represent the learning society?

Myths represents the culture of a society. It embodies a collective

knowledge through several generations of development when they are
accepted as literal truths. It tries to give a comprehensive account of the
world and of the people to whom it belongs. It sometimes serves as the
basis of their behavior. Iliad served as Greeks historical reference and not
just a literature to the youth of early centuries. The Greek youth are
expected to memorize a large part of the book to show orlearn about the
hero they follow.

7. Give an example of myths used in interpreting nature.

In interpreting nature, myth uses analogical reasoning, relating the

unfamiliar to the familiar by means of likeness. It gives us a sensible
explanations which has something to do with the behaviour of nature.
 Example: The reason why Ursa Major and Ursa Minor never set
below the horizon is because they represent the mistress and the son of
Zeus whom Hera hates. Hera commanded the sea to never let them (these
constellations) set below the horizon.

8. How is God viewed in a myth?

In myth, Gods are viewed as individuals who takes human shapes,

feels human emotions, posseses immortality and supernatural powers.
Gods are also personified as natural agents such as fire, earth, water and
the like. They are powerful individuals who can either help or punish
humans depending on their desire.

9. What is the significance of magic in a myth?

Magic has been very influential in the beauty and and development
of myth. It attempts to influence the Gods to fulfill human wishes,
influence nature by limitation in order to mimick the result they want.

10. How do myths develop?

Myths are believed to be stories that have been handed down from
one generation to another. These have been developed to an acceptable
and more probable to the present society.

10.1.Give 5 myths of ancient civilization.

.1 Beowulf

.2 Iliad and Odyssey

.3 Heracles

.4 Icarus

.5 The Legend of Ion