This document discusses different types of folklore, including mythology. Mythology falls under the genre of folklore. Myths generally explain how things began or why natural phenomena occur, and involve gods and supernatural forces. Myths reflect the cultural beliefs of the people who created them. The document notes that while myths differ between cultures, they all aim to preserve traditions and spread cultural values.

1. Mythology
August 30-31
Basham

2. Mythology
A category of writing is
called Genre. Mythology
falls in the category or
genre of Folklore.

3. Folktales
Generally know to be Fictitious
About a specific geographical
area
Often has magic
Examples: Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed

4. Legends
Story based on a historic event,
fact, or person
Not typically moral
Limited involvement of gods and
supernatural forces
Examples: King Author and the Knights of the Round Table, Atlantis

5. Fables
Emphasis on the moral of
the story
Animals often talk
Examples: The Boy Who Cried Wolf, The Tortoise and the
Hare

6.  Myths
Explain how things began or
why they happen
Involve Gods and the
supernatural
Reflect the cultural beliefs of a
particular people
Examples: The Odyssey, The Iliad

7. What you should know about Myths:
cultures create myths to
explain their origins
all cultures use myths to
preserve and spread values
and traditions

8. What you should know about Myths:
similar myths exist in every
culture
differences in creation myths
reflect the uniqueness of each
culture

9. What you should learn about Myths:
How do different cultures
explain how the world begun?
How do different peoples
explain how man was
created?

10. What you should learn about Myths:
 What are the similarities and
differences in creation myths from
around the world?
 What unique cultural traits are
revealed in myths?
 What can we learn about ourselves
through myths?

11. Purposes of Myths:
Myths grant continuity and
stability to a culture.
Myths present guidelines for
living.

12. Purposes of Myths:
Myths explain the
unexplained.
Myths offer role models.