Theories of Myth

613aMythology is the study of myths. Myths are stories that have been written and passed down from generations. Many of the myths over time have been exaggerated with added details and information. This is why many have thought of myths as false and unrealistic. Our text discusses several theoretical approaches scholars like Plato, Euhemeros and used to understand mythology.

Plato felt his myths were truths while others were lies. Euhemeros who felt that the lack of knowledge was the reason his ancestors exaggerated stories. Plato used the word falsehood as a synonym for the word Mythos. Although when he applied it to philosophical speculation it confirmed the ancient meaning as a form of truth. Plato used the word mythos to mean both truth and lie. By taking Homers and Hesiod's fabricated myths and comparing it to the true history he felt he was giving the listener or reader the real truth. Plato wrote new myths as he did not like how poets manipulated the listeners with imitations of unreality. "Thus making the listener as lazy by accepting the stories and images instead of going to seek truth." (Leonard & McClure, 2004)

Euhemeros a doubter felt that his "ancestors lacked scientific method, philosophical principles and cognitive sophistication". (Leonard & McClure, 2004) This led to the exaggeration of facts of actual historical events. His ancestor made up explanations and used their imaginations since they did not have access to knowledge information. He also believed that myths were not true but had small pieces of historical truth.

Creation myths explain and tell us the story of how everything began. The beginnings of the earth, stars, and human existence. It depends on the culture and the geographical barriers but all creation myths have the same basic elements. The creation of man and women. Not just their creation but the recreation for a more perfect or less than perfect individual. One myth indicates that man was made but he was too much like god that he was destroyed. The creator Deus Faber and the eighth category of creation myth. Different from Genesis where Adam and Eve were cast out of the garden. It did not want man as a rival or a colleague. It is also interesting how the Basonge myth of Kolombo contains elements of the Deus Faber myth. The Basonge myth says that five dolls were carved out of Ivory and wood. The men came from the Ivory which explains why they are stronger than women.

I do not think that Plato or Euhemeros would agree with the creation of man based on the thought of Dues Farber. Creating multiple beings and then eliminating the one that does not fit the criteria is not how human nature works. Even if the creation was too perfect or less than perfect. Plato and Euhemeros would have wanted to see and know the origin of the first man and woman. How they were fashioned to reflect their people culture and manner