Theories of Myth: Crash Course World Mythology

The video explores various theories of mythology, starting with ancient Greek philosophers like Xenophanes and Plato, who critiqued myths as falsehoods. It then discusses the Christian interpretation of myths as influenced by demons. The 18th and 19th centuries saw a comparative approach to mythology, while the 20th century introduced anthropological and psychological perspectives, with figures like Frazer, Malinowski, Freud, and Jung contributing to the field. Modern theories include Campbell's monomyth and Levi-Strauss's structuralism, with contemporary approaches focusing on broader contexts and critiques.

What is the definition of mythology as discussed in the text?

How did pre-Socratic philosophers like Xenophanes view myths?

What was Plato's perspective on myths and their truthfulness?

Explain the concept of Euhemerism as presented in the text.

What dichotomy did early church thinkers establish regarding myths?

How did the discovery of proto-Indo-European languages influence the study of mythology?

What role did Sir James Frazer play in the study of myths?

Describe the contributions of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung to the understanding of myths.

What is Joseph Campbell's theory regarding myths and hero stories?

How does contemporary mythology differ from earlier approaches in its analysis?