CLA204H1 Lecture 1: Introduction to Classical Mythology
Document Summary
Myth: from the greek word mythos, meaning, story, plot, authoritative speech act . A story shared by a specific culture. Utilized to teach and instill morals and values. No definitive text (ex. the bible or the quran) because variations exists. A myth is a story shared by a culture. Has no author and origins, authors are often referred to as presenters of the myths . Has interpreters (wrote stories that existed with changes in details) Myths often have the same story with different details. These authors are not creating these stories or changes. Related to religion but not quite the same thing. Example: trojan war (a war most likely happened but did the events of the trojan war actually happen?) / zeus, coming down to earth, to rape mortal women (did they believe that?) People during that time may not believe in all the details of the myths but they do believed in the gods.
