Myths

Other Words

MYTHS

In modernity we tend to focus on one of the definitions of myth as a false belief that is widely held, however myth plays a much more powerful role in growing and evolving a culture. Myth is defined as a traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world-view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon. They offer us explanations about the mysteries beyond the physical plane of our existence and that resonate within our own reality. Diverse examples of myth include the Christian story of David and Goliath Links to an external site., the Fairy Tale Beauty and the Beast Links to an external site. and the genesis of the Asaro Mudmen in New Guinea.

Asaro Mudmen Continue Legacy Links to an external site.

 

In another example, Antonio Canova Links to an external site.'s statue Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss (below), commissioned in 1787, exemplifies the Neoclassic Links to an external site. devotion to love and emotion. It represents the god Cupid Links to an external site. in the height of love and tenderness, immediately after awakening the lifeless Psyche Links to an external site. with a kiss. A masterpiece of its period, it appeals to the senses of sight and touch, but still alludes to the Romantic interest in emotion co-existing with Neoclassicism.

 

 

Antonio Canova, Psyche Being Revived by Cupid’s Kiss, 1793. Marble. The Louvre, Paris.
Image source Eric Pouhler, Wikipedia, Licensed through Creative Commons.

 

The myth associated with Saint Michael and the Dragon (below) is symbolized with the personification of goodness and evil represented by a winged serpent or reptile. St. Michael clearly has the upper hand here as he triumphs over Satan. In this remarkable sculpture the unknown artist uses classic triangular composition to reinforce the power of good over evil.

 

 

St. Michael and the Dragon, stone bas-relief with traces of polychrome. Early Christian period. Collection: The Louvre, Paris.
Image by Neuceu. Licensed through Creative Commons.

 

Myths continue to change and evolve within the subsequent microcosms of culture. What are myths your family holds dear, how about your social group, and examining myth further out, what are the myths held within your community? How have those myths changed throughout generations? For a quick and interesting read, follow this link for modern mythology Links to an external site..

It is interesting to think about how we explain the unexplainable, how the explanations change over time, and how we put a form to our myths!