What is a myth, and how does it relate to us?

[Riverwolf]

What is a myth?

How does mythology relate to us?

What is the difference between a myth and a story that's simply fictional?

My argument is that, unlike a work of fiction, a myth actually serves as a cultural basis. That is, a culture will think and act as per the myth. This, in my opinion, is the key difference between a story that's simply fictional and a myth.

I'm primarily reacting to an apparent misconception that some atheists seem to have: that myths are wholly identical to fictional stories, and I argue that they aren't, for the above reason. Fiction doesn't form a cultural benchmark, while myths do. Are myths, at least to a large extent, fiction? I believe so. But not all fiction is myth. (However, while all myth is based somewhat on truth, the same could be said for all fiction.)

Basically, I see the saying that "it's just a myth" as the atheist equivalent to the creationist "it's just a theory." It betrays an inherent misunderstanding of what it is.

 

[Willamena]

My argument is that, unlike a work of fiction, a myth actually serves as a cultural basis. That is, a culture will think and act as per the myth. This, in my opinion, is the key difference between a story that's simply fictional and a myth.

Can you give an example?

 

[Riverwolf]

Can you give an example?

Sure.

Christian mythology forms the baseline for much of American (and arguably general Western) culture. How many idioms refer back to Christian themes? Much of our current morality system does have its basis in Christian myths (except altered to be more secular.) For example, it's culturally taboo to be polygamous.

Of course, that's very broad, and debatable. Perhaps for our purposes, it's better to look into subcultures, since there isn't really a definitive overarching "American" culture. In that sense, they can have multiple mythologies, such as the nerd subculture, which has Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, etc. as the baselines for its thought.

 

[Nothing]

Myths may or may not be true, but may have been based IN truth unlike fiction which is not true but could be based ON truth! Is this right?
...anyways, I do agree that myths have an impact on culture.
If it's THAT confusing, it MUST be amusing!

 

[Storm]

What is a myth?

To me, myth is the pinnacle of that most human of arts, storytelling. They're the stories you return to again and again, always finding something new and precious.

How does mythology relate to us?

It articulates deep psychological truths, the kind of truth too deep for bald statement. It provides ideals and archetypes that guide us on our paths, wherever they may lead.

We NEED myth.

What is the difference between a myth and a story that's simply fictional?

Its profound nature. It's like the difference between faith and mere trust. The one is a form of the other, but they are not interchangeable.

My argument is that, unlike a work of fiction, a myth actually serves as a cultural basis. That is, a culture will think and act as per the myth. This, in my opinion, is the key difference between a story that's simply fictional and a myth.

My understanding is a bit more personal, I think, but similar. In the past, we were limited to the myths of our culture, our tribe and time. Now, with the flourishing of the arts, and the unprecedented freedom of information, we are empowered to decide for ourselves which stories will guide us.

For instance, the Bible doesn't really do it for me. I'm more of a sci-fi/ fantasy girl. My personal mythology includes Babylon 5 and the works of Jacqueline Carey.

I'm primarily reacting to an apparent misconception that some atheists seem to have: that myths are wholly identical to fictional stories, and I argue that they aren't, for the above reason. Fiction doesn't form a cultural benchmark, while myths do. Are myths, at least to a large extent, fiction? I believe so. But not all fiction is myth. (However, while all myth is based somewhat on truth, the same could be said for all fiction.)

Basically, I see the saying that "it's just a myth" as the atheist equivalent to the creationist "it's just a theory." It betrays an inherent misunderstanding of what it is.

ITA.

 

[Willamena]

Sure.

Christian mythology forms the baseline for much of American (and arguably general Western) culture. How many idioms refer back to Christian themes? Much of our current morality system does have its basis in Christian myths (except altered to be more secular.) For example, it's culturally taboo to be polygamous.

Of course, that's very broad, and debatable. Perhaps for our purposes, it's better to look into subcultures, since there isn't really a definitive overarching "American" culture. In that sense, they can have multiple mythologies, such as the nerd subculture, which has Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, etc. as the baselines for its thought.

How does a myth, then, relate to you personally (if it does)? What purpose does it serve the individual?

 

[Riverwolf]

How does a myth, then, relate to you personally (if it does)?

Me? I use mythology as a guide to living.

What purpose does it serve the individual?

I think Storm put it very well.

Entire cultures and individuals will most certainly have different uses and takes on myths.

 

[outhouse]

What is a myth?

The term "myth" is often used colloquially to refer to a false story [wiki]

How does mythology relate to us?

people need to believe in something to rationalize what we do not know, myths are created to fill these voids in knowledge.

What is the difference between a myth and a story that's simply fictional?

If the fiction is popular enough it becomes a myth. evolves so to speak.

 

[Madhuri]

Myths are often taken to be a real history at some point in time, hence how it becomes a basis for culture.

To Nothing: fictional stories are often based on real people and events.

 

[Storm]

The term "myth" is often used colloquially to refer to a false story [wiki]

Is that all it means to you?

people need to believe in something to rationalize what we do not know, myths are created to fill these voids in knowledge.

It's not that simple. It's never that simple.

If the fiction is popular enough it becomes a myth. evolves so to speak.

So, are the myths of Zoroastrianism no longer myths, then?

It strikes me a most useless definition.

 

[logician]

Depends upon if one believes said myth.

 

[Storm]

Depends upon if one believes said myth.

Not necessarily.

 

[lunamoth]

What is a myth?

How does mythology relate to us?

What is the difference between a myth and a story that's simply fictional?

My argument is that, unlike a work of fiction, a myth actually serves as a cultural basis. That is, a culture will think and act as per the myth. This, in my opinion, is the key difference between a story that's simply fictional and a myth.

I'm primarily reacting to an apparent misconception that some atheists seem to have: that myths are wholly identical to fictional stories, and I argue that they aren't, for the above reason. Fiction doesn't form a cultural benchmark, while myths do. Are myths, at least to a large extent, fiction? I believe so. But not all fiction is myth. (However, while all myth is based somewhat on truth, the same could be said for all fiction.)

Basically, I see the saying that "it's just a myth" as the atheist equivalent to the creationist "it's just a theory." It betrays an inherent misunderstanding of what it is.

Myth is for when the truth is bigger than the mere facts.

 

[outhouse]

Is that all it means to you?

if you mean fiction, yes i think myths are nothing but fiction.

I dont think a deep in depth answer is needed for imagination.

It's not that simple. It's never that simple.

please explain this, or shall I say, "your view"

So, are the myths of Zoroastrianism no longer myths, then?

because it evolved into a religion you want to know what?

It strikes me a most useless definition.

Thats great! im not trying to please everyone nor share there belief or lack of

 

[Storm]

please explain this, or shall I say, "your view"

Myths tell us more of ourselves than the world. If one has the patience to look deeper, they tell us a great deal.

because it evolved into a religion you want to know what?

I have no idea what this means, but I'm pretty sure it's not an answer.

 

[outhouse]

Myths tell us more of ourselves than the world. If one has the patience to look deeper, they tell us a great deal.

Your saying if we anylize myths then we can learn, Thats not what I see OP asking. That goes without question.

 

[Storm]

Are you going to answer my question?

 

[bobhikes]

The difference between a myth and fiction is that a myth is a story that tries to explain a natural or religious event. Fiction is just for entertainment.

 

[outhouse]

I dont know what your question is

 

[Penumbra]

What is a myth?

What is the difference between a myth and a story that's simply fictional?

I suppose that a myth is a fictional story that, at one point or another, was/is believed to be true by some people.

How does mythology relate to us?

It can be an archetype, or a false explanation, or a way of expressing something.

My argument is that, unlike a work of fiction, a myth actually serves as a cultural basis. That is, a culture will think and act as per the myth. This, in my opinion, is the key difference between a story that's simply fictional and a myth.

I'm primarily reacting to an apparent misconception that some atheists seem to have: that myths are wholly identical to fictional stories, and I argue that they aren't, for the above reason. Fiction doesn't form a cultural benchmark, while myths do. Are myths, at least to a large extent, fiction? I believe so. But not all fiction is myth. (However, while all myth is based somewhat on truth, the same could be said for all fiction.)

Basically, I see the saying that "it's just a myth" as the atheist equivalent to the creationist "it's just a theory." It betrays an inherent misunderstanding of what it is.

Well, I think myths can serve a great purpose, but it's not good if people wrongfully believe that the myth is a real happening.

The problem is that when it comes to myths, not everyone gets the memo that it's a myth at the same time.