What is mythology
Video: What Is Myth? Crash Course World Mythology #1 2024, July
The words "myth", "mythology" often conjure up associations with the gods of Olympus, the exploits of Hercules, etc. Mythology is an integral and valuable part of any culture: Greek, Slavic, Scandinavian, Indian and others.
Instruction manual
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The word "mythology" comes from the Greek words mythos (tradition) and logos (word). Under the mythology is meant the science of myths, and a set of myths, and a way of understanding the environment (displaying reality in the form of fantastic stories). Initially, these were oral narratives that reflected the worldview of ancient peoples. People tried to comprehend historical events and natural phenomena, during which often inanimate objects and phenomena were attributed the properties of animated beings. Myths bear the imprint of the worldview of the people in the affected historical period.
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As a rule, myths tell of the deeds of ancient gods and heroes, the origin of the universe, people, animals, celestial bodies and planets. In the eyes of modern man, such tales look exaggerated and implausible. They came to us in the form of literary monuments. Famous myths - ancient Greek, ancient Roman, Scandinavian, Slavic, Indian, Chinese. Each people with a long history has its own mythology, but it is not always preserved and reaches its descendants in its original form. Historians note that the mythology of different peoples of the world often has much in common. It is customary to explain the interpenetration of cultures.
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Myths have their own classification in modern science. They are cosmogonic (about the origin of the world), solar (in the center of the universe - the Sun), lunar (about the Moon). Anthropogonic myths relate to the creation of man, totemic myths about animals, cult ones about rites and cult actions, etc. Mythology is characterized by symbolism, metaphors, animate objects and phenomena. She seeks to answer the questions of "how?" and why?". Mythology often has a close relationship with traditions and religion, as can be seen in paganism.