Academic Year 2024-25
Grade: MYP 2
Unit 1: Mythological Stories
Key concept: Connections
Related Concept: Context, Point of View
Global Context: Orientation in Space and Time
Students will explore epochs, eras, turning points and “big history”
Statement of Inquiry: Universal narratives often connect human values
and contextual points of view in different eras.
Topic: Mythology: Meaning, Types and Characteristics
Meaning:
Mythology (from the Greek mythos
for story-of-the-people, and logos
for word or speech, so the spoken
story of a people) is the study and
interpretation of often sacred tales
or fables of a culture known as
myths or the collection of such
stories which deal with various
aspects of the human condition:
good and evil; the meaning of
suffering; human origins; the origin
of place-names, animals, cultural values, and traditions; the meaning of life
and death; the afterlife; and celestial stories of the gods or a god. Myths
express the beliefs and values about these subjects held by a certain culture.
Myths tell the stories of ancestors and the origin of humans and the world,
the gods, supernatural beings (satyrs, nymphs, mermaids) and heroes with
super-human, usually god-given, powers (as in the case of the Greek myth
of Heracles or Perseus). Myths also describe origins or nuances of long-held
customs or explain natural events such as the sunrise and sunset, the cycle
of the moon and the seasons, or thunder and lightning storms.
Mythology has played an integral part in every civilization throughout the
world. Pre-historic cave paintings, etchings in stone, tombs, and
monuments all suggest that, long before human beings set down their
myths in words, they had already developed a belief structure. According to
twentieth century psychiatrist Carl Jung, myth is a necessary aspect of the
human psyche which needs to find meaning and order in a world which
often presents itself as chaotic and meaningless. Jung writes:
“The psyche, as a reflection of the world and man, is a thing of such infinite
complexity that it can be observed and studied from a great many sides. It faces
us with the same problem that the world does: because a systematic study of
the world is beyond our powers, we have to content ourselves with mere rules
of thumb and with aspects that particularly interest us. Everyone makes for
himself his own segment of world and constructs his own private system, often
with air-tight compartments, so that after a time it seems to him that he has
grasped the meaning and structure of the whole. But the finite will never be
able to grasp the infinite.”
Types of Mythological Stories:
1. Greek Mythology: Greek mythology is filled with fascinating stories
and characters. It centers around the gods and goddesses of ancient
Greece, such as Zeus, Athena, Apollo, and Aphrodite, and their
interactions with mortals. These myths often revolve around themes of
love, war, and betrayal.
One of the most well-known Greek myths is the story of the Trojan
War. It tells the tale of the beautiful Helen, who was abducted by the
Trojan prince Paris, leading to a war between the city of Troy and the
Greeks. The war ended when the Greeks used the Trojan Horse to
trick the Trojans and conquer their city.
Another important figure in Greek mythology is
the hero Hercules, who was the son of Zeus and
a mortal woman. He is famous for his incredible
strength and for completing the Twelve Labors, a
series of difficult tasks assigned to him by the
gods.
The Greek myths continue to inspire and
captivate people to this day through literature,
art, and popular culture.
Some related mythologies include:
• Roman Mythology
• Etruscan Mythology
2. Norse Mythology: Norse mythology is
filled with thrilling stories and epic
heroes. It centers around the gods and
goddesses of ancient Scandinavia, such
as Odin, Thor, and Freya, and their interactions with mortals and
other beings. These myths often revolve around themes of fate, war,
and the end of the world.
One of the most well-known Norse myths is the story of Ragnarok, the final
battle between the gods and their enemies. It is said that in the end, the
world will be destroyed and reborn, with only a few survivors left to start a
new world.
Another important figure in Norse mythology is the god Thor, who is known
for his strength and his weapon, the mighty hammer Mjolnir. He is often
depicted as a fierce warrior who fights against giants and other monsters to
protect the people of Midgard, the mortal world.
The Norse myths continue to inspire and captivate people to this day
through literature, art, and popular culture.
Some related mythologies include:
• Finnic Mythology
• Germanic Mythology
3. Egyptian Mythology: Egyptian mythology is filled with fascinating
stories and powerful gods. It centers around the deities of ancient
Egypt, such as Ra, Isis, and Anubis, and their interactions with the
pharaohs and the people of Egypt. These myths often revolve around
themes of death, the afterlife, and the relationship between Order and
Chaos.
One of the most well-known Egyptian myths is the story of the god Osiris,
who was murdered by his brother Set but was brought back to life by his
wife Isis. Osiris then became the god of the underworld and the afterlife,
where he judged the souls of the dead.
Another important figure in Egyptian mythology is the sun god Ra, who was
the most powerful deity in the pantheon. He was said to travel across the sky
in a boat during the day and through the underworld at night.
The Egyptian myths continue to inspire and captivate people to this day
through literature, art, and popular culture.
Some related mythologies include:
• Berber Mythology
• Dedun (Nubian) Mythology
4. Celtic Mythology: Celtic mythology is filled with rich and fascinating
stories of gods, heroes, and monsters. It centers around the myths
and legends of the ancient Celtic people, who lived in what is now
Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and other parts of Europe. These myths
often revolve around themes of magic, nature, and the cycle of life.
One of the most well-known Celtic myths is the story of the hero Cú Chulainn,
who was the greatest warrior of Ulster. He was known for his incredible
strength and courage, and for his weapon, the Gae Bolg, which could strike
its enemies from a distance.
Another important figure in Celtic mythology is the god Lugh, who was the
god of the sun, the sky, and the arts. He was said to be a skilled warrior, a
master craftsman, and a powerful magician.
5. Mesopotamian mythology: Mesopotamian mythology, which dates
back many millennia, is still relevant today. Mesopotamia was the
place where civilization began and it’s one of the oldest civilizations in
history, so their myths are very old too! The term “Mesopotamian
Mythology” refers to all myths from Sumer, Akkad, Assyria &
Babylonia who were part of modern-day Iraq.
One of the most well-known Mesopotamian myths is the story of the god
Marduk, who rose to power and became the king of the gods. He was said
to have created the world and to have defeated the monstrous sea-dragon
Tiamat, who threatened to destroy all of creation.
Another important figure in Mesopotamian mythology is the god Enlil, who
was the god of the air and the storms. He was said to be the most powerful of
the gods, and to have the ability to control the fates of mortals.
6. African Mythology: African mythology is filled with rich and diverse
stories of gods, spirits, and heroes. It centers around the myths and
legends of the many different African cultures, each with its own
unique beliefs and traditions. These myths often revolve around
themes of nature, the ancestors, and the power of the spirit world.
One of the most well-known African myths is the story of the trickster
god Anansi, who is a spider in many West African traditions. He is known
for his cunning and his ability to outsmart other
animals and even the gods.
Another important figure in African mythology is
the god Ogun, who is the god of iron and war in
many West African traditions. He is said to be a
fierce warrior and a skilled blacksmith, and to be
able to control the forces of nature.
7. Hindu Mythology: Hindu mythology is filled
with complex and fascinating stories of gods,
demons, and heroes. It centers around the
myths and legends of the ancient Hindu
religion, which originated in India and is still
practiced by millions of people today. These
myths often revolve around themes of karma, reincarnation, and the
ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
One of the most well-known Hindu myths is the story of the god Krishna,
who is considered to be an avatar (or incarnation) of the supreme god
Vishnu. He is known for his wisdom, his courage, and his love for the mortal
woman Radha.
Another important figure in Hindu mythology is the goddess Durga, who is a
warrior goddess who protects the world from evil. She is said to be the
mother of the universe and to have the power to defeat even the most
powerful demons.
The Hindu myths continue to inspire and captivate people to this day
through literature, art, and popular culture.
Some related mythologies include:
• Scythian mythology
• Ayyavazhi mythology
• Tamil mythology
• Vedic mythology
• Buddhist mythology
• Manipuri mythology
• Romani mythology
8. Slavic Mythology: Slavic mythology is filled with rich and fascinating
stories of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures. It centers around
the myths and legends of the ancient Slavic people, who lived in what
is now Russia, Poland, and other parts of Eastern Europe. These
myths often revolve around themes of nature, the cycle of the seasons,
and the battle between good and evil.
One of the most well-known Slavic myths is the story of the god Perun, who
was the god of thunder and the sky. He was said to wield a powerful
thunderbolt and to be the protector of the Slavic people.
Another important figure in Slavic mythology is the creature Baba Yaga, who
is a witch-like figure who lives in the forest. She is known for her magic
powers and her ability to help or hinder those who seek her out.
9. Chinese mythology: Chinese Mythology is filled with ancient and
fascinating stories of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures. It
centers around the myths and legends of the ancient Chinese
civilization, which has a rich and complex history spanning thousands
of years. These myths often revolve around themes of nature, the cycle
of the seasons, and the harmony between humans and the universe.
One of the most well-known Chinese myths is the story of the god Nüwa,
who was the goddess of creation. She is said to have created the world and
to have shaped the first humans from clay.
Another important figure in Chinese mythology is the god Fu Xi, who is the
god of wisdom and culture. He is said to have invented writing, music, and
the arts, and to have taught the people how-to live-in harmony with each
other.
The Chinese myths continue to inspire and captivate people to this day
through literature, art, and popular culture.
10. Japanese Mythology: Japanese mythology is filled with
beautiful and fascinating stories of gods, goddesses, and mythical
creatures. It centers around the myths and legends of the ancient
Japanese civilization, which has a rich and complex history spanning
thousands of years. These myths often revolve around themes of
nature, the cycle of the seasons, and the relationship between
humans and the divine.
One of the most well-known Japanese myths is the story of the sun goddess
Amaterasu, who is the most powerful of the gods. She is said to have created
the world and to have brought light and warmth to the earth.
Another important figure in Japanese mythology is the god Tsukuyomi, who
is the god of the moon and the night.
These mythologies continue to influence modern literature, art, and popular
culture, demonstrating their enduring relevance and impact on human
society. Let us look at the characteristics of mythological stories in order to
deepen our understanding:
Characteristics of Mythological Stories:
1. Supernatural Elements: They often feature gods, goddesses, and
supernatural beings with extraordinary powers and abilities.
2. Explanation of Natural Phenomena: Myths frequently attempt to
explain the origins of natural phenomena, such as the creation of the
world, the changing seasons, or the reason for natural disasters.
3. Moral Lessons: Many myths convey moral or ethical lessons, teaching
virtues such as bravery, wisdom, and justice, or warning against vices
like hubris, greed, and betrayal.
4. Cultural Significance: Myths reflect the values, beliefs, and traditions
of the culture from which they originate, offering insights into the
society's worldview and customs.
5. Heroic Characters: Central characters in myths are often heroes who
embark on significant journeys or quests, facing trials and adversities
that test their strength and character.
6. Symbolism: Myths use rich symbolism to convey deeper meanings,
with characters, objects, and events representing broader concepts
and themes.
7. Timeless and Universal Themes: Themes such as creation, death
and the afterlife, good versus evil, and human nature are common in
myths and resonate across different cultures and epochs.
8. Oral Tradition: Many myths originated as oral stories passed down
through generations before being written down, leading to variations
and multiple versions of the same myth.
9. Interaction Between Worlds: Myths often depict interactions
between the mortal world and the divine or supernatural realms,
blurring the boundaries between human and divine experiences.
10. Epic Scope: Mythological narratives are often epic in scale,
involving grand and monumental events, battles, and transformations
that have significant consequences for the world and its inhabitants.
In conclusion, mythology serves as a vital component of human culture,
reflecting the collective beliefs, values, and traditions of societies throughout
history. From the Greek tales of gods and heroes to the intricate myths of
Hinduism and the profound stories of Egyptian deities, mythological
narratives offer rich explanations for natural phenomena, moral lessons,
and the complexities of human existence. These stories, filled with
supernatural elements, heroic characters, and symbolic meanings, have
been passed down through generations, evolving from oral traditions to
written accounts. Mythology not only provides insight into the worldviews of
ancient civilizations but also continues to inspire and influence modern
literature, art, and popular culture, demonstrating its enduring relevance
and impact on humanity. By exploring the diverse types of mythology and
their characteristics, we gain a deeper understanding of how these timeless
and universal themes resonate across different cultures and epochs, offering
a glimpse into the human psyche's quest for meaning and order in a
seemingly chaotic world.
References:
Mark, Joshua J. “Mythology.” World History Encyclopedia,
www.worldhistory.org/mythology/#:~:text=Mythology%20%28from%20the%
20Greek%20mythos%20for%20story-of-the-people%2C%20and.
“World Mythology 101: A Complete Guide to the Myths and Legends That
Define Us.” MythBank, mythbank.com/world-myth/.
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Accessed 13 May 2024.
Pinimg.com, 2024,
i.pinimg.com/originals/fa/34/b9/fa34b9bfdf86a57659e0d09aeafbe898.jpg.
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