Theory of Myth Paper

Theories of Myth Paper
James Jackson
                                                                HUM/105
                                                            Dr. Rose Safir
                                                          February 13, 2010
University of Phoenix

Theories of Myth



        What is Mythology? The dictionary defines mythology, as a set of stories, traditions, and beliefs associated with a particular group or the history of an event, arising naturally or deliberately fostered or a body of myths as that of a particular people or that relating to a particular person.   The word “Myth” itself is of the Greek origin from the Greek word mythos, “speech, word, fact, story, narrative”.   Although these words are rather restrictive in definition, the word myth can be said to fail to take into account the large body of twentieth century work on myth from many angles.   Myth, is also described or defined to be the compilation of some type of field work; and the aim may be to produce something of value for religious studies.   A myth theory can also be defined as raw material for transformation into artistic productions.   In some way shape or form, every culture or ethnic group is an original author of theoretical myths.   For example, there has been scientific evidence that at one point there were parts of the earth that were covered in water and are now dry.   Other myths tell of an island, floating in the sky where sky people lived long before the world was created.
        A theoretical approach call the New Criticism/Formalism is said to be used when there is out of date text with no author or historical background.   It is misleading to read Greek or Latin text that is translated into another language word for word.   There is no way to trace the changes in myth over time because the text will not be chronological.   Late authors especially the Romans liked Traditional Biographical Criticism when they created life-records.   Traditional... [continues]

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