Mythology 101
What is the definition of mythology
Mythology is a body of beliefs, fables, or legends belonging to a people, usually involving spiritual tales that reflect the philosophy of the culture.
Name a god of fire
Hephaestus, Vulcan, Pele
What are the definition of significance?
The myth’s subject matter focuses on something important, something about how the world works or how the world itself or how things came to be.
What are three patterns we see in creation myths?
Order and Chaos, Divine Creation, The Separation of Cosmic Elements, The Creation of Humans from Natural Elements, & Cycles of Destruction and Rebirth
List four types of myth that the gods are a part of?
Divine, Creation, Chthonic, Aetiological/ Etiological, Hero, Founding, Trickers
Name two gods of war from different pantheons
Odin, Horus, Sekhmet, Ku, Hachiman, Ares, Mars
What are the three ways we can measure a myth's staying power?
Time and History, Culture & Modern Connection
What are three different examples of creation myths?
Ex Nihilo (From Nothing), World Parent, Earth Diver, Emergence, Cosmic Egg
What are three themes we find in myths about Gods?
Cosmogonies, Divine Rulers, Interaction with Mortals, Psychopomps & Death
Name three gods of love & beauty from different pantheons
Aphrodite, Venus, Freyja, Laka, Hathor
List 5 ways we can measure a myth's significance
Understanding & Explanation
Cultural Identity & Belonging
Morality & Values
Psychological Insight
Orientations & Purpose
Inspiration & Healing
What are the three reasons why we need creations myths and why?
Etiological: Explains the origins of natural phenomena, rituals, and sacred places.
Provides Meaning: Offers a sense of belonging and purpose, defining humanity's role in the universe.
Validates Culture: Underpins a society's beliefs, social structures, and moral code
What does a domain include? List all 4.
Sphere of Influence, Physical Space, Polytheistic Structure, Nature vs. Function
Name four gods related to bodies of water from different pantheons
Tsukuyomi, Susanoo, Ryujin, Kamohoali'i, Namaka, Kanaloa, Lono, Sobek, Hapy, Nun, Njord, Poseidon, Neptune
List 6 different types of myths
Aetological/Etiological, Chthonic, Creation, Divine, Founding, Hero, Historical, Morality, Psychological, Trickster
Egyptian, Guam, Japanese
What is the definition of a pantheon & what is the definition of a god's domain?
A pantheon is all the gods and goddesses of a particular religion or mythology, representing the divine hierarchy and the cultural values of that society.
A god's domain is the specific area of influence, expertise, or physical territory over which a deity rules or governs.
Name five gods of fertility and agriculture from different pantheons
Hachiman, Amaterasu, Inari, Kamapu'a, Haumea, Hina, Lono, Bastet, Geb, Hapy, Hathor, Osiris, Sobek, Demeter, Ceres, Freyr, Freya