Myths

Myths - explanation

Purpose

To provide a fictional explanation for natural phenomena. Many cultures use myths to explain the world and its mysteries by handing them down from one generation to the next generation. Myths can also pass on cultural, religious or spiritual beliefs and traditions.

Myths often provide narrative clues that help to build a picture of the beliefs, lifestyles and ideology of the people who first told them.  

Themes

Myths are set in the past, usually a distant and non-specific past, and are presented (unlike fables) as something that actually happened. There is evidence that the content of some myths is based on real events and places that may have existed. 

Opposites occur frequently in myths as themes, including:

• good and evil;
• night and day;
• calm and storm;
• wise and foolish;
• old and young;
• beautiful and ugly;
• mean and generous;
• Just and unjust.

Like other traditional stories, myths use quests, journeys and trials as themes. The hero or heroine often has to undergo some kind of test (the trials of Hercules) or set off on a long and difficult journey where dangers arise at each stage (the Odyssey).

Plot and Structure

The plot of a myth usually includes incredible or miraculous events, where characters behave in superhuman ways using unusual powers or with the help of superhuman beings.

Characters

Characters typical of traditional stories appear in myths (talking animals, rich kings, foolish young men, clever villains) although the ‘trickster’ character is often a mischievous god (Loki, for example). The most notable character types in this sub-class are classic heroes and supernatural beings.

Style

Rich, evocative vocabulary and use of imagery are typical but style is often more literary than other types of tales. 

Myths often include very vivid description of characters and settings (dense, mysterious rainforest or icy, mist-shrouded mountain peaks) and fast-moving narration of action. They tend to make less use of dialogue and repetition than some other types of traditional story.