Understanding Myths

What is a myth?

• A story to explain how or why our world works

• A type of modern science fiction

• A mathematical formula

• A recent news article

What does the word 'myth' originate from?

• Ancient Greek word 'mythos'

• French word 'mythe'

• Old English word 'mythe'

• Latin word 'mythus'

What does 'mythos' mean?

• Word of mouth

• Ancient tale

• Story

• Written script

What is the purpose of myths?

• To solve mathematical problems

• To entertain with no purpose

• To teach a moral lesson or explain phenomena

• To provide news updates

What do creation myths describe?

• How laws are made

• How technology was invented

• How the earth or a group of people came to be

• How a hero defeats a villain

What do nature myths typically explain?

• Animal behavior

• Weather forecasting techniques

• How to plant crops

• Why something in nature is the way it is

What do hero myths describe?

• The quest of a hero or heroine

• A famous historical battle

• The life of a politician

• The discovery of a new land

What elements are commonly found in myths?

• Realistic family stories

• Modern technology and gadgets

• Scientific facts and figures

• Gods and goddesses, magic, supernatural events

What often happens to characters in myths?

• They experience transformation or change

• They travel to the future

• They invent new technologies

• They become modern-day celebrities

What should you do after learning about myths?

• Start writing a news article

• Study a science textbook

• Go read a good myth

• Forget about them