Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Philosophy - Essay Example Considering the variation in cultural predisposition, myths also varies. Different beliefs persist in different parts of the globe defining culture, traditions and rituals of that particular region. A comparative account could be established between different mythologies and this is packed under comparative mythology. Myth refers to variety of stories sharing distinctiveness, making it special and diverse from other genres, folklores and legends. Formulating this as a basis, myths could be defined as "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." (What is Myth?). William Bascom in his article entitled â€Å"The Forms of Folklore: Prose Narratives† defined myth as "tales believed as true, usually sacred, set in the distant past or other worlds or parts of the world, and with extra- human, inhuman, or heroic characters". Considering the extra-human description in most of the mythologies across the world, myths are considered as "cosmogenic" or cosmogonic or "cosmic" taken from Greek word kosmos meaning order. Beliefs represent this order as the tradition and culture of that particular geographical location and these features delineate the nature of the inhabitants belonging to that milieu. Concepts of myth encompass definition of myths in various paradigms, from the thought of origin of the universe to the rules of nature that paves the way to modulate culture, rituals, ceremonies, food and medicines. Depending upon the climatic condition, seasons, flora and fauna, ancient beliefs called myths lay their foundation. Myths are therefore considered as narratives of cosmogonic origin as they define origin of the universe and life from primordial forms to the present form (What is Myth?). Believers laid the foundation of Sacred Nature of myths as myths narrate the r ituals, sacred stories and folklore of the tradition, these beliefs institute the basis of religions and narratives specify the truth and develop a system of faith and holy credence. Every existing culture portrays the co-existence of secular and sacred myths. Myths thereby narrate influential or expressive form of societal order or significance contained by a way of life. The functioning of the society centers around the beliefs and myths prevalent in that locale. Cultural beliefs are framed through epistemology or the level of understanding displayed by the followers, culture in turn epitomize myths and therefore myths are of paramount significance to exhibit the predilection of residents (What is Myth?). Involvement of Heroic characters is the most imperative characteristic of every myth. These Heroic personalities arbitrate inheritance, disturbing dualities, reunite individuals to the veracities of life or ascertain the prototypes of life. To certain extent myths are believed to co-relate realities with the established facts as any happening in the present could have some instituted facts in the mythology. The predictions made by the astrologers and those who tell the future prospects perform certain calculations that define a particular character that has been already reported in the mythology. Therefore, mythology has certain traits that connects past to the present situation (What is Myth?). Mythology & Philosophy