CLAA05H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Ereshkigal, Etiology, Eunuch
Document Summary
Myth can be defined as a traditional story : with a plotline and characters like other stories, set in the distant past, but sometimes in actual places, often part of an. Main characters in these are divine or supernatural (gods) Include creation myths & other aetiologies of the natural world. Gods may be natural elements and/or real personalities with human weaknesses. Myth is separate from religious belief and ritual. Concern the great deeds of human heroes of the past, although gods can still play a part. Heroes are often semi-divine, and are members of royalty or the nobility. Ancient people believed in such legends as we regard history, helping to explain the past. There is usually a kernel of truth to legends: many heroes may have once been real kings. Main characters are ordinary people, not gods or heroes: but in folktale fables, characters are animals. Focus on entertainment, but also justify social/cultural traditions.
