Myths 101
What Greek word does the word “myth” come from, and what does it mean?
From the Greek word muthos/mythos, meaning “story, narrative, or plot.”
Define mythology in simple terms.
A collection of myths that explains who people are, where they came from, and how the world works.
What does the word “mythos” mean?
Mythos = the big picture worldview or belief system shown in myths.
What is an archetype?
recurring character type, image, or event in stories.
Who was the main character of The Odyssey?
Odysseus.
What do myths often explain about the world?
They explain the world, natural phenomena, cultural customs, or the origins of people
Name one culture’s mythology and a god associated with it.
Example: Greek mythology — Zeus; Norse mythology — Thor; Egyptian mythology — Ra.
What is the key difference between “myth” and “mythos”?
Myth = one story; Mythos = the “big picture” worldview behind all myths.
Name one archetypal character found in myths.
The hero (Odysseus), the mentor (Athena), the trickster (Hermes), the ruler, the god.
What lesson or theme does the myth of Icarus symbolize?
Icarus symbolizes ambition, recklessness, and a tragic fall from grace.
Name one example of a myth mentioned in the presentation
Examples: Pandora’s Box, Icarus and the Sun, the Trojan War.
What need do mythological stories satisfy for humans?
They satisfy the human need to explain the unknown, mysterious, or frightening.
Give an example of a culture’s mythos mentioned in the presentation.
Greek mythos or Norse mythos
What is a motif in literature?
A motif is a recurring symbol, image, or idea that adds deeper meaning to a story.
What prophecy did Oedipus fulfill?
Oedipus killed his father and married his mother, fulfilling the prophecy.
Who are usually the main characters in myths?
Gods, heroes, or supernatural beings (example: Zeus, Odysseus, Achilles)
How do mythologies act as “narrative systems” for societies?
They create stories and characters that explain a culture’s history, religion, and worldview.
Name one common mythological motif mentioned in the presentation.
Examples: The hero’s journey, struggle between good and evil, rise and fall of civilizations, archetypal characters like the redeemer or the temptress.
What does the phoenix symbolize?
The phoenix symbolizes rebirth, immortality, and the cycle of life.
How are myths different from just a regular story?
Myths explain meaning, beliefs, or origins — not just entertainment like regular stories.
Compare mythology and myth: how are they different?
A myth is a single traditional story; mythology is the entire collection of myths of a culture.
Why is mythos important for understanding a culture’s stories?
Because it shows what a culture values and beliefs, and helps explain why their myths were told.
How do archetypes and motifs help poets explore universal human experiences?
They highlight universal human experiences (love, loss, heroism, death) and connect myths to poetry’s deeper themes.
How does Dorothy Parker’s poem Penelope reshape the myth of Odysseus and Penelope?
It contrasts Odysseus’ celebrated adventures with Penelope’s overlooked endurance, showing her patience and resilience as equally brave.