A myth is a story which, although it is fictionalized, has its basis in truth. It is a way to teach the values and thoughts of men, as well as social, familial, and ethical structures.
2. Why do we study mythologies?
To learn from the past, to complete the four functions.
3. How do we study mythologies?
By reading and comparing stories to each other, comparing stories to everyday life. We analyze what we read through the filter of the myths our culture is already imbued with, and see what we can find that teaches us something new about the world.
4. Compare & contrast predator/prey anxieties in Gilgamesh & Mwindo.
Gilgamesh does not seem to be so worried about food, while Mwindo steals so much food that all his friends overeat like goldfish and grow ill. One of Gilgamesh's greatest fears seems to be death and mortality, and (at least so far) Mwindo does not seem to fear death at all, as it seems not to stick.
6. Discuss the four functions of myth.
Mystical is to experience the awe of the universe, cosmological is to explain the shape of the universe, sociological is to support and validate a social order, and pedagogical is about how to live as a human.
Hey Anne, I want to thank you for posting this up. I was actually looking around to see what others was/were writing for the third prompt (to get a better understanding of the question) when I came across this. It helped me a lot. Made me think about things I didn't think about before. So, thank you! Good luck on the quiz!
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