INTRODUCTION TO MYTHOLOGY AND FOLKLORE

REFERENCE #1
What is myth?
 It refers to colorful stories that tell about the origins of humans and cosmos.
 Attitudes towards myth vary greatly.
 Some regard it as a source of spiritual growth, while others see only falsehood.
 Some see the distinct character of particular cultures, while others see universal
patterns.
 Some regard it as contemporary and alive, while others think of it as ancient and/or dead
Myths are symbolic tales of the distant past (often primordial times) that concern cosmogony
and cosmology (the origin and nature of the universe), may be connected to belief systems or
rituals, and may serve to direct social action and values.
Characteristics of Myths
 Myths teach a lesson or explain the natural world.
 Myths have many gods and goddesses.
 The gods and goddesses have human characteristics.
 Myths contain magic.
 Gods and goddesses often appear in disguises.
 Good is rewarded and Evil is punished.
 Myths can be violent (but within reason, so don’t react just yet!)
Origins of Myths
 Myths have been around since the beginning of time.
 It originated with the Greek’s account of creation and covers subjects from origins of
civilizations, heroes, customs and most any other imaginable subject. It has served as
an excellent form for passing down history and customs form one generation to the next;
was one of the earliest forms of children’s literature.
 It is from the study of humanities difference and similarities whether it be their cultures,
how they view themselves or govern themselves that myths not only originated, they
perpetuated.
 Myths originate in societies, not individuals.
Types of Myths
1. Divine Myth
 Gods and goddesses.
 They explain the ways of the gods and typically the rules
2. Nature Myth
 This attempts to explain natural occurrences, such as weather and cosmology.
3. Afterlife Myth
 Ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese had myths that involve the afterlife.
 Some involve rebirth and some describe a place that people go when they die.
4. Cosmogony Myth
 Creation or origin myths.
 Describes the making of the world and universe.
5. Prestige Myths
 Describes the heroes, kings, gods or powerful city.
6. Eschatology Myth
 Myths of destruction of the world.
 Christian eschatology involves the rapture, tribulation and the end of days.
 Norse’ Ragnarök or The Doom of Gods, involves the destruction of the sun, moon, gods
and Earth.
Functions of mythology
 Mystical: enables human beings to accept the burdens of life.
 Cosmological: the metaphysical study of the origin and nature of the universe; it
explains the unknowns of the universe.
 Sociological: mythologies help maintain social norms.
 Psychological: probably accounts for the most similarities between different myths.
Myths support us through changes in life.
What is legend?
 It is usually based on a true event in the past.
 It usually has a real hero at the center of the story and they are often set in fantastic
places.
Classification of Legends
Generally, legends may be divided into the following classes:
 Religious legends
 Political legends
 Economic legends
 Social legends
Characteristics of Legend:
 Exaggerated characters & events
 Usually handed down by tradition (maybe)
 Focuses on individuals and their accomplishments
 Fictional story once believed to be true (but not)
 Characters aren’t what they’re made out to be
 Paragraph style
 Narrative
Importance of Legend
 They help the man to understand the events of nature and to elucidate them, besides
helping them in their adjustment with nature.
 They represent the ideals and values of society.
 They also provide the opportunity of acquainting oneself with the culture of the society
that existed.
 The profundity of their influence is ample, reflected in the fact that because of them it is
possible to predict the behavior of the individuals of a particular society.
What are tales?
 They are stories passed down for generations and they are regarded as cultural
heritage.
 Most tales are told stories but there are also many tales in written forms.
 It was further explained that tales are stories generally told without intention to disclose
their actual origins.
 Objectives:
 To bring fun and joy.
 To deliver moral lessons.
 Tales are not only for children, they are also for adults, as there are tales that are
intended for adults.
Characteristics of Folk Tales and Tales
 Folk tales is told with ordinary words. It is a prose, not a verse.
 Folk tales have been orally passed on for generations.
 With developed writing, folk tales may be written down based on the stories previously
told by mouth.
 There is no indication of the original story teller. It is usually referred that the story has
been told from their precedents who were important persons in the past. This differs from
contemporary literatures which clearly indicate the authors’ names.
Implicitly, it can be seen that the most important characteristic of a folk tale is the way it has
been passed down to newer generations without knowing who was the composer of that story.
Classification of Tale:
1. Fairy tales
 Main content of the story usually involves supernatural power or miracles, which are
uncommon to human way of life.
 Normally, it does not clearly indicate the location in the story.
 The main character possesses extraordinary attributes such as obstacles and conquer
all of the enemies, with happy
 ending.
2. Legend
 The story tellers strongly believe that the incidents or the phenomena in such story do
actually occur since there are factual evidences, persons, and locations indicated in the
legend clearer than those mentioned in the myth.
3. Explanatory tale
 The kind story that answers the question of “why” explaining the history and origin of
human beings, animals, natural phenomena, names of locations, rationale of some
belief, and stories involved with the hidden treasure.
4. Novella or romantic tale
 It has a long story comprising many sub-episodes.
 The content is more realistic.
 Characters in the story are rather common people, because of their ordinary lifestyles,
than those in reality.
 Core content of the story is related to affection, exasperation, infatuation, fear, and
adventures.
5. Ghost tales
 Characters in ghost tales are inevitably ghosts and spiritual divines and ghost hauntings
and possessing.
 The story is thrilling and frightening.
6. Hero tales
 This tale tells about moral, ability, acuity, and bravery of persons who are the country’s
heroes.
 They are similar to myths, whose main characters are also heroes in the story, but with a
difference.
 Hero tales clearer indicate locations and times in the story.
 Core content of hero tales mainly tell bravery and heroism of heroes who fight for
majority of people.
7. Fables
 Short and unrealistic stories.
 Contains moral lessons that teach appropriate ways of living.
 Characters running the story may be human, animals, or angels.
8. Religious tales
9. Myths
 These are tales of which main characters are fairies or angels,
 The characters in the story must be related to religion beliefs and observances that are
commonly practiced.
10. Animal tales
 The main characters are animals, presumed to have human thoughts and behaviors.
 In some stories, the characters may be human who can interact with animals.
 It can be also classified as fables.
11. Riddle tales
12. Jakata tales (stories of Lord Buddha’s incarnations)
REFERENCE #2

Introduction to Mythology and Folklore

Mythology and folklore are integral parts of human culture, offering insights into the beliefs,
values, and creativity of societies throughout history. They serve as vessels for storytelling,
moral instruction, and cultural preservation.

What is Myth?
A myth is a symbolic story that often explores the origins of humanity, the universe, and the
fundamental truths of existence. Myths reflect the worldview of a culture, blending spirituality,
morality, and imagination.
Key Features of Myths:
1. Origins and Lessons: Myths explain natural phenomena or human behavior while
imparting moral or cultural lessons.
2. Deities with Human Traits: Gods and goddesses in myths often have human-like
emotions and flaws.
3. Magic and Disguises: Myths frequently include magical elements and divine beings
appearing in disguise.
4. Moral Polarity: Good triumphs over evil, reinforcing societal values.
5. Timelessness: Myths are ancient stories but remain relevant, connecting cultures to
their past and offering universal truths.
Origins of Myths
 Myths date back to the dawn of human civilization, emerging from early attempts to
explain the unknown.
 They originated in collective societies and were initially passed down orally, later
evolving into written traditions.
Types of Myths:
1. Divine Myths: Focus on the deeds and rules of gods and goddesses.
2. Nature Myths: Explain natural phenomena like seasons, weather, and cosmic events.
3. Afterlife Myths: Explore beliefs about life after death, such as the Greek underworld or
Egyptian afterlife.
4. Cosmogony Myths: Creation myths that detail the origins of the universe.
5. Prestige Myths: Highlight the valor of heroes, kings, or cities.
6. Eschatology Myths: Discuss the end of the world, such as Ragnarök in Norse
mythology or the apocalypse in Christian teachings.
Functions of Mythology
1. Mystical: Inspires awe and helps people accept the mysteries of life.
2. Cosmological: Explains the structure and origins of the universe.
3. Sociological: Reinforces societal norms and values.
4. Psychological: Provides guidance through life’s challenges and transitions.

What is a Legend?
A legend is a story rooted in historical truth but embellished over time. It typically features a real
hero and takes place in a fantastic or extraordinary setting.
Characteristics of Legends:
 Exaggeration: Characters or events are often exaggerated for dramatic effect.
 Traditional Transmission: Passed down orally, forming part of a community’s heritage.
 Cultural Representation: Reflects societal ideals and values.
 Narrative Style: Legends are engaging stories often written in paragraph form.
Types of Legends:
1. Religious Legends: Focus on miracles or divine figures.
2. Political Legends: Highlight historical leaders or events.
3. Economic Legends: Revolve around wealth or prosperity.
4. Social Legends: Reflect societal norms or behaviors.
Importance of Legends:
 They provide cultural continuity, preserving the ideals and values of a society.
 Legends help explain natural events and human behavior, fostering adaptation to the
environment.

What are Tales?

Tales are stories passed down orally or in written form, often serving as entertainment or moral
instruction. They are a rich part of cultural heritage.
Characteristics of Folk Tales and Tales:
 Oral Tradition: Passed down through generations without a known original author.
 Prose Format: Stories are narrated in simple, straightforward language.
 Universal Appeal: Tales are told to both children and adults.
Types of Tales:
1. Fairy Tales: Magical stories with supernatural elements and happy endings.
2. Explanatory Tales: Provide origins for natural phenomena, places, or beliefs.
3. Hero Tales: Celebrate bravery, morality, and heroism.
4. Ghost Tales: Eerie stories about spirits and hauntings.
5. Animal Tales: Anthropomorphic animals teach moral lessons.
6. Fables: Short, didactic stories with clear moral messages.
7. Religious Tales: Reflect religious beliefs and practices.
8. Novellas: Romantic or adventure tales with realistic characters.
Objectives of Tales:
 Entertainment: Bring joy and amusement to listeners or readers.
 Moral Lessons: Teach values and appropriate behavior.

THE CREATION AND AFTERLIFE AND DIFFERENT GODS AND GODDESSES IN

DIFFERENT MYTHOLOGIES
GREEK MYTHOLOGY
CREATION
Although when we think of mythology we think of a collection of stories, there is a beginning to
them. Understanding the beginning of the story, the creation of the world, gives us a framework
to build upon as we learn about the different myths.
The short answer to how the Greeks viewed the creation of the world is this: Scary old gods
came first; they got stomped down by their kids, who were better looking, younger gods. These
gods created humans. Humans and gods fought for supremacy, and the humans won a few
rounds but eventually got trounced and became more and more miserable.
Now, the longer answer: In the beginning, the universe was without form. It was not nothing;
there was matter, but it was unorganized,
shapeless, mixed up and dark. This was called Chaos.
After Chaos, more divinities, or gods, came into being. Gaia, the Earth, held up Uranus, the sky.
Gaia and Uranus had a bunch of kids. First they had a bunch of monsters including the Cyclops,
and then they created the Titans as the second generation. Uranus hated all the Titans and was
actually quite ugly about it – but there are only a couple of Titans that you need to remember:
first, Oceanus, the god of the sea, and then Cronus, the strongest and best one of all. Gaia was
pretty ticked at Uranus for being a jerk, so she helped Cronus overthrow him.
So, let’s keep this straight. Cronus is Uranus’s son. Cronus became the king (bye-bye Uranus),
and married his sister, Rhea – another Titan. It’s like a soap opera. This was called the Golden
Age because men, who had been made by a Titan named Prometheus, were living in harmony.
Everything was hunky dory.
It didn’t last, though, because Cronus heard a prophecy that one of his sons would dethrone
him, so every time his wife, Rhea, had a baby, he swallowed it. Rhea got a little sick of seeing
all of her children swallowed alive, so she tricked Cronus when her sixth child, Zeus, was born;
she wrapped up a rock to look like a baby and had Cronus swallow that instead. Zeus rescued
his previously swallowed siblings, and all was right with the world.
THE DIVINITIES
The Titans
 The elder gods
 They were for untold ages supreme in the universe.
 They were of enormous size and of incredible strength.
 There were many of them, but only a few appear in the stories of mythology.
1. Cronus
 the most important Titan.
 He ruled over the other Titans.
 His wife is his sister, Rhea.
 The father of Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, Hestia, and Demeter.

The Olympians
1. Zeus
 The supreme leader.
 Lord of the Sky, Rain-god and the Cloud-gatherer, who wielded the awful
thunderbolt.
 His wife was Hera.
 He is represented as falling in love with one woman after another and
descending to all manner of tricks to hide his infidelity from his wife.
 His breastplate was the aegis.
 His bird was the eagle, his tree is the oak.
2. Hera
 Zeus's wife and sister.
 The protector of marriage, and married women were her peculiar care.
 The cow and the peacock were her sacred animals.
 Argos was her favorite city.
3. Poseidon
 Ruler of the Sea
 Zeus’s brother and second only to him in eminence.
 His wife was Amphitrite (a granddaughter of the Titan, Ocean).
 He was commonly called Earth-shaker and was always shown carrying his
trident.
 He had some connection with bulls as well as horses.
4. Hades
 The third brother among the Olympians.
 Ruler of the Underworld and over the dead.
 The God of Wealth
 He had far-famed cap or helmet which made whoever wore it invisible.
 He was not a welcome visitor.
 He was unpitying, inexorable, but just; a terrible, not an evil god.
 His wife was Persephone (Proserpine), Queen of the Lower World.
 He had three-headed dogs or hellhounds, Cerberus.
 King of the Dead – not Death himself, whom the Greeks called Thanatos (Orcus).
5. Athena
 The daughter of Zeus (alone!).
 She is a fierce and ruthless battle goddess, but elsewhere she is warlike only to
defend the State and the home from outside enemies.
 She was the pre-eminently the Goddess of the City, the protector of civilized life,
of handicrafts and agriculture; the inventor of the bridle, who first tamed horses
for men to use.
 She was her father’s favorite child.
 The word oftenest to describe her is gray-eyed or, as it sometimes translated,
flashing-eyed.
 Chief of the virgin goddess and was called Maiden, Parthenos, and her temple
was the Parthenon.
 She was the embodiment of wisdom, reason, purity.
 Athens, her special city; the olive created by her was her tree; the owl, her bird.
6. Phoebus Apollo
 The son of Zeus and Leto (Latona), born in the little island of Delos.
 He has been called the most Greek of all gods.
 The master musician who delights Olympus as he plays on his golden lyre; the
lord too of the silver bow, the Archer-god, far-shooting; the Healer.
 The God of Light and Truth.
 Phoebus means brilliant or shining.
 The laurel was his tree.
 Many creatures were sacred to him, chief among them are the dolphin and the
crow.
7. Artemis
 Apollo’s twin sister, daughter of Zeus and Leto.
 One of the three maiden goddess of Olympus.
 She was the Lady of wild Things, Huntsman-in-chief to the gods, an odd office for
a woman.
 The protectress of dewy youth.
 As Phoebus was the Sun, she was the Moon, called Phoebe and Selene (Luna).
 The cypress was sacred to her; and all wild animals, but especially the deer.
8. Aphrodite
 The Goddess of Love and Beauty.
 She is the daughter of Zeus and Dione.
 Beautiful, golden goddess.
 She was the wife of Hephaestus.
 The myrtle was her tree; the dove her bird – sometimes, too the sparrow and the
swan.
9. Hermes
 The son of Zeus and Maia (daughter of the Titan, Atlas)
 He was graceful and swift of motion.
 He had winged sandals; winged low-crowned hat; and winged magic wand, the
Caduceus.
 Zeus’s Messenger.
 He was the shrewdest and most cunning.
 He was the Master Thief.
 The God of Commerce and the Market, protector of traders.
 In odd contrast to this idea of him, he was the also the solemn guide of the dead,
the Divine Herald who led the souls down to their last home.
10. Ares
 The God of War.
 Son of Zeus and Hera.
 He would fight on both sides, if possible.
 He was young, strong and handsome, and liked to dress in battle clothes even
when he wasn’t fighting.
 His bird was the vulture.
11. Hephaestus
 The God of Fire.
 Son of Hera (alone!).
 He was born lame god of the forge and was further crippled when he was thrown
from Olympus by his mother, Hera, in a rage.
 The only Olympian with a disability.
 He is highly honored in Olympus, the workman of the immortals.
 He was unhappily married to Aphrodite.
 He was kindly, peace-loving god, popular on earth as in heaven.
12. Hestia
 Zeus’s sister.
 One of the virgin or maiden goddess.
 She has no distinct personality and she plays no parts in the myths.
 The Goddess of Hearth, the symbol of the home, around which the newborn child
must be carried before it could be received into the family.
 In Rome her fire was cared for by six virgin priestesses, called Vestals.
13. Demeter
 The Goddess of crops and good harvest.
 Daughter of Cronus and Rhea, sister of Zeus.
 Her daughter was Persephone.
14. Dionysus
 God of the Vine.
 Son of Zeus and a Theban princess, Semele.
 The partier of the mountain retreat.