On the subject of mythology… I could talk for hours. Be it Greek, Norse, Celtic (those of which my heritage and cultural experience are closest to), Egyptian, Hindu, Native American groups (which I love, though I am far from an expert), to Australian and Chinese (neither of which I know much about, though I would like to).
Ancient religious texts (stories, etc.) share certain parallels with each other that are most fascinating. Take wolves, for instance: in many cultures, wolves (or another canine hunter) share a key role in mythology
Similarly, there are other character roles that are reflected across the geographical distances, similar in all places, such as the maverick, the bad brother: Loki, Mordred, Set…
I cannot claim to be an expert on mythology, but their methods of storytelling are worth noting. As with fairytales, all is concise and exaggerated. There is more than one version of nearly every story, as they were originally oral telling.
Mythology’s purpose was to explain the world, and explain the culture of a civilization. An interesting example is Hera and Zeus from Greek myths. Hera is often seen as the nagging jealous wife, but perhaps she was merely striving to protect her realm: the family.
While Zeus is king of the gods, very powerful, masculine and all that, Hera was the woman of the house, the keeper of the family and the protector of women, the role of a woman in Greco-Roman times.
Myths are extended metaphors and parables. Interesting stories to look at individually, but often, there is far more depth than one originally sees. People (including myself) like to retell these myths, fairytales, and legends, but when we do that, it is all too easy to lose this depth.
Consider depth and deeper meaning when righting this week.
Ancient religious texts (stories, etc.) share certain parallels with each other that are most fascinating. Take wolves, for instance: in many cultures, wolves (or another canine hunter) share a key role in mythology
- Romulus and Remus were raised by a she-wolf
- Fenrir of the Norse tales
- Anubis of Egypt
- Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs both have a ‘Big Bad Wolf’ in them
- Numerous Native American stories from various groups feature wolves
- Dingoes of Australia too hold a place in myths
Similarly, there are other character roles that are reflected across the geographical distances, similar in all places, such as the maverick, the bad brother: Loki, Mordred, Set…
I cannot claim to be an expert on mythology, but their methods of storytelling are worth noting. As with fairytales, all is concise and exaggerated. There is more than one version of nearly every story, as they were originally oral telling.
Mythology’s purpose was to explain the world, and explain the culture of a civilization. An interesting example is Hera and Zeus from Greek myths. Hera is often seen as the nagging jealous wife, but perhaps she was merely striving to protect her realm: the family.
While Zeus is king of the gods, very powerful, masculine and all that, Hera was the woman of the house, the keeper of the family and the protector of women, the role of a woman in Greco-Roman times.
Myths are extended metaphors and parables. Interesting stories to look at individually, but often, there is far more depth than one originally sees. People (including myself) like to retell these myths, fairytales, and legends, but when we do that, it is all too easy to lose this depth.
Consider depth and deeper meaning when righting this week.
Zoë
