CLA204H1 Midterm: Midterm 1 Notes
Document Summary
One thing is certain: there is no single theory of myth that can cover all kinds of myth. Definitions of myths will either be too limiting or too broad. General definition: a widely accepted story that is actually false: derived from the greek word muthos" meaning word, tale, and speech. It is a narration consisting of a beginning, middle, and an end. A story that is ultimately an entertaining speech: the antonym is logos" which is a persuasive speech. Myth is a traditional tale with secondary partial reference to something of collective importance. It is a traditional story typically involving supernatural beings or forces, which embodies and provides an explanation or justification for something such as the early history of a society, religious belief or ritual. Myth is a many faceted personal and cultural phenomenon created to provide a reality and unity to what is transitory and fragmented in the world.
