Why do we study mythology?

Question

Why is mythology important to study and understand?

in English class, no less...

Answer 1

We haven't studied it.

Answer 2

Mythology is the beginning of story telling. Thats why its in English class. And its interesting. I could think of worse things to study in English.

Answer 3

in case you do not care even if you get a level out of it, the internet is an surprising source of concepts of multiple mythologies. once you do a search for you easily make something yours by technique of your psychological efforts, really than in basic terms being spoon-fed the cloth in a school room. once you start up a search for, you by no skill comprehend the position it would take you. it really is the thrill of it. In a school room, you study a coherent body of fabrics, it really is tremendous, yet then that is as a lot as you to attempt to take it a step extra and make connections. also, on the internet you may do image searches. i have found this a effectual adjunct to easily verbal expertise. once you're extremely extreme about pursuing this, study the a number of myths linked with celestial phenomonon. photos from the sky were burned into the human and pre-human collective unconscius for 1000's of thousands and thousands of years. The sky is a silent drama; a minimum of a few myths magnificently provide voice to it.

Answer 4

The main difference between the primates and other species is the ability to recognise and manipulate symbols. Mythology is the ultimate symbolic language and works at levels well below and before spoken language and reasoning. Quite rational and otherwise well controlled people can be moved to extraordinarily unexpected behaviours by the manipulation of their symbolic vocabulary - look at the Jews' reaction to Jesus (he started as a revered rabbi), the ferocity of the mediaeval Christian churches reaction to the concept of female rights to church leadership (called witch hunts eventually) and of the suppression of the Templars (for daring to suggest a communality of beliefs in God), the wars of religion in Europe, the attemted eradication of indigenous Indian races in North and South America and Australia, Hitlers takeover of Germany, the Communists' takeover of Russia and China, current manipulation of young disaffected Muslims everywhere.

All is done by abusing the symbols underpinning the culture and belief system so that anyone who even queries that what is being said, let alone done, is appropriate and orthodox to that system becomes an enemy even an incarnate devil by definition of those perpetrating the abuse.

So study symbols and avoid the manipulation of your inner thoughts. "For evil people to triumph it is only necessary that good people do nothing".

Answer 5

What it boils down to is that classic English literature often contained recurring mythological themes, such as Shakespeare's "Midsummer Night's Dream", which begins with the marriage of the Amazon Queen Hyppolyta to Athenian King Theseus.

Answer 6

I don't know, but I was freakin exstatic when we began studying it! I have gained an interest in mythology a long time ago. Just look at it as light reading, and enjoy like me! Then apply t to English class as nessecary. If you learn to enjoy it as much as I do, you'll be protesting when you don't do it anymore.

Answer 7

B/c many great works have come from mythology, your question is why do people believe in christiany and judism. this was the major religion back in the day. the reason we still study it in english class is because of the writes of that time. every hear of the guy names Homer. His epic was one of the reatest written, read it you will like it.

Answer 8

References to mythology occur everywhere in literature, pop culture, sitcoms... you won't realize it until you read it. Stories in different religions are also good to study, even if you don't believe in that religion, for the same reason. You understand more hidden/deeper meanings, jokes, etc.

and the stories are crazy! gods eating their own children, people turning into animals. It's more interesting when someone isn't making you read it. Get a kid's picturebook version... much more fun and fast to read.

Answer 9

Because it gives an insight into the cultural beliefs of a society.

For example, you can identify the differences in attitudes between the ancient cultures of Europe and South America simply by exploring their mythologies.

Answer 10

Mythology is known through past literature. I think that should spell out the connection.

Answer 11

Understanding others helps us to understand ourselves, yet REALLY understanding others is impossible. In our own culture we get lulled into a sense that we understand when we don't. Examining ideas that are very far removed from what we've heard before, expands our understanding, pulls us out of our mental and emotional lethargy, and pushes us into a higher state of awareness.