Myth assignment

Ngweya Aziah Rose Smith.

Assignment #1: Introduction to a Myth

Directions:

1. First part of your assignment is to answer the following questions by

firstFirst researching the information and then submitting your written response in class.

Read: A Short History of Myth and research online for the answer to the questions.

From the book explain the terms: Dreamtime, Archetypal, Hierophanyand Hierophany. Compare Myth and Logos

a. What is a myth?

A myth is a traditional story based on historical events. They usually center on gods and heroes. Myth emphasis the supernatural and ancient ways.

b. How does a myth differ from a fairy tale?

Myths are usually based on elements of truth while fairy tales are fiction. Fairy tales are stories usually told to children and are mostly of moral standards. Myth on the other hand, explain why and how things happen the way they are. It’s usually scaring. Myth usually centers on heroes and the gods.

c. What purpose did myths play in ancient cultures?

In the ancient cultures Myth improved the development and enhancement of poems and cultures. Also, natural phenomenon was explained through myth in ancient cultures. An example is earthquake. Most importantly myth told true stories in ancient cultures.

d. From the book define the terms: Dreamtime, Archetypal, Hierophany, Myth and Logos.

Dreamtime is referred to an ancient time when things were created by strange ancestors. These ancestors spirit still continues in the present.

Archetypal: was defined as a particular type of thing, world or person. Hierophany: meaning sacred or holy. It also means bringing to light.

Myth: It is defined here as universal and timeless stories. Myth here is defined as the unknown and a true story.

Logos: It is defined in the book as a mode of thought we use when we want to get something done.

2. Second Part of the assignment:

a. Find the Greek myth Pygmalion. (Read more than one version of the myth.)

Make sure it is the Greek myth, not the play script by Shaw. The class will read Shaw later in the semester.

Write a summary of the Pygmalion myth. Answer the following questions:

b. What are the names of the main characters?

c. What do you believe is each character’s personality trait?

d. What does the story say?

e. Describe the “Pygmalion Effect”

3. Third Part of your assignment:

Find the meaning of the following terms and describe in writing using your own words:

a. Metamorphoses

Metamorphoses in my own words could be define as a change or a transformation from one form to another. This mostly happens in human beings and animals. For example a transformation of a young girl to an adult.

b. Transcendent

Transcendent can be defined as something that is extraordinary. That is something beyond human understanding.

c. Are the terms applicable to the Pygmalion myth?

I think they are both related to the Pygmalion myth in the sense the act of the Pygmalion trying to transform an ivory into a woman is liking to metamorphose. Also the fact that his falling in love with a statue in kind of unbelievable and beyond human understanding. This brings out the transcendent nature.