GRST 209 Lecture 1: GRST 209 Notes

• School: University of Calgary
• Department: Greek and Roman Studies
• Course: GRST 209
• Professor: Amber Porter

Document Summary

Impossibility of establishing a satisfactory definition of myth has not deterred scholars from developing comprehensive theories of interpretations of myths. Often provide bases for hypothesis about origins. No single theory of myth can cover all kinds of myth. Definitions of myth will tend to be either too limiting or so broad as to be virtually useless. Myth comes from greek word mythos which means word , speech , tale or story . Myth maybe story which is narrated orally, but is usually in written form. A myth may also be told with no words at all (paintings, music, dance, sculptures ) Myth can inform religion and vice versa. Specialists attempt to distinguish true myth from other varieties and seek to draw distinction between the myths. True myth/myth proper = stories primarily concerned with gods and mankind"s relations w/ them, religion and supernatural. Saga & legend = perceptible relationship to history; fanciful and imaginative, it has roots in historical fact.