Mythology: Difference between revisions
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'''Mythology''' is the collection of myths | '''Mythology''' is the collection of myths — stories, legends, and beliefs — surrounding a religious or spiritual practice. It is typically based on a mix of historical events and oral/literary works. (The term is also sometimes used to refer to the systematic collection and organization of those myths, as in a scholarly discipline.) | ||
No doubt one reason for the success of so many religions, and religion generally, is the inclusion of colorful and dramatically meaningful myths among the religious doctrines. Parables, for instance, are lessons in story form; it is not surprising that religions adopt parables and myths to make their points, and attract and entertain potential adherents. The larger-than-life aspects of myths | No doubt one reason for the success of so many religions, and religion generally, is the inclusion of colorful and dramatically meaningful myths among the religious doctrines. Parables, for instance, are lessons in story form; it is not surprising that religions adopt parables and myths to make their points, and attract and entertain potential adherents. The larger-than-life aspects of myths — | ||
* interventions of beings with super powers (deities, demons, demi-gods, angels, etc.); | * interventions of beings with super powers (deities, demons, demi-gods, angels, etc.); | ||
* inexplicable forces (destiny, curses, luck); | * inexplicable forces (destiny, curses, luck); | ||
* unrealistic events (many children, long lives, fabulous gardens, treasures, poisonous or deadly apples, virgin births, rebirths and reincarnations, spontaneous healings, communications with animals and gods, conversion of dead matter to life or vice versa, etc., etc.) | * unrealistic events (many children, long lives, fabulous gardens, treasures, poisonous or deadly apples, virgin births, rebirths and reincarnations, spontaneous healings, communications with animals and gods, conversion of dead matter to life or vice versa, etc., etc.) | ||
give their views the same [[sense of wonder]] identified as a defining element of modern SF. In looking at ourselves through carnival mirrors and magnifying mirrors, we gain new insights and perspectives into the human condition. | — give their views the same [[sense of wonder]] identified as a defining element of modern SF. In looking at ourselves through carnival mirrors and magnifying mirrors, we gain new insights and perspectives into the human condition. | ||
[[Category:Mythology| ]] | [[Category:Mythology| ]] | ||
[[Category:Genres]] | [[Category:Genres]] | ||
Revision as of 22:02, 18 February 2007
Mythology is the collection of myths — stories, legends, and beliefs — surrounding a religious or spiritual practice. It is typically based on a mix of historical events and oral/literary works. (The term is also sometimes used to refer to the systematic collection and organization of those myths, as in a scholarly discipline.)
No doubt one reason for the success of so many religions, and religion generally, is the inclusion of colorful and dramatically meaningful myths among the religious doctrines. Parables, for instance, are lessons in story form; it is not surprising that religions adopt parables and myths to make their points, and attract and entertain potential adherents. The larger-than-life aspects of myths —
- interventions of beings with super powers (deities, demons, demi-gods, angels, etc.);
- inexplicable forces (destiny, curses, luck);
- unrealistic events (many children, long lives, fabulous gardens, treasures, poisonous or deadly apples, virgin births, rebirths and reincarnations, spontaneous healings, communications with animals and gods, conversion of dead matter to life or vice versa, etc., etc.)
— give their views the same sense of wonder identified as a defining element of modern SF. In looking at ourselves through carnival mirrors and magnifying mirrors, we gain new insights and perspectives into the human condition.