Types of Myths

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cosmic architecture myth

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• *explains how the universe and/or heavens were created

• *four directions and the elements: often discuss the universe being created with a vertical and lateral structure as well as how elements of fire, water, air, and earth interact to create the universe

• *heavenly bodies: divine or heavenly bodies exist as a living form and are the forces of creation

• *cosmos represented as a house: the universe is represented as a house or dwelling and different parts of the house represent different parts of the universe

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humanity myth

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• *discusses the creation of humans and human elements, such as birth, death, disease, etc.

• *origins of misfortune: explains why certain disasters plague humanity

• *origin of death: explains why or how death came to be

• *origin of life: explains how humanity was created

• *causes of disease: explains why humans are susceptible to disease

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creation myth

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• *duality: two elements, beings, or forces involved in the process of creation

• *life out of death: something or someone must die in order for creation to begin

• *cyclical worlds: multiple worlds may be involved in the creation of the current world.

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legend

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• *a story that tells about heroes and heroines

• *explains their adventures and their mistakes

• *religious stories about gods and goddesses fall under this category

ex: the story of Prometheus and how he stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity

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Märchen

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• *also known as a fairy tale but does not contain actual fairies

• *stories of people sometimes with supernatural characteristics

• *passed down orally from generation to generation

ex: Rib Van Winkle who avoids doing any work, falls under a spell and falls asleep for decades and wakes to find his life very different.

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folklore

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• *also called folk tales

• *told by common people and are told as if they are true or only slightly exaggerated

• *passed on from generation to generation

ex: The British story "The Story of the Three Bears" which has been turned into the more recognized "Goldilocks and the Three Bears."