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The Importance of Mythology, 2004.
An analysis of the study of mythology.
2,635 words (approx. 10.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 79.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the importance of studying mythology. A definition of mythology is presented. The ancient and modern aspects are outlined in this paper. The paper describes the importance of mythology as a teaching tool. The cultural and religious facets are also explored.
Outline
Defining Mythology
The Lessons of Mythology
Mythology as a Cultural Paradigm
Mythology as a Human Paradigm
Mythology and Conflict
Mythology as Religion
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The study of mythology is important for both individualistic and collective reasons. On an individual level, mythology could teach moral or human truths, whereas on a collective level mythology could be used to keep people in touch with their origins. Mythological stories could then be used to teach children values such as hard work, diligence and obedience. Role models are created through mythological figures. Also, the mythology of different cultures can serve to teach the student about the values of that culture. This is particularly important in the world today, since advancing technology and phenomena such as globalization has brought foreign cultures much more frequently in touch with each other than was previously the case. It is therefore important to study mythology for the values that it can teach both children and adults, and also for understanding the heritage inherent in these stories."
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Mythology, 2004.
A discussion of mythology, focusing on the similarities between different types of mythology.
1,380 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the similarities between Greek and Roman mythology and Native American mythology. The elements of heroism and romance are discussed. The paper illustrates how today's romance novels and movies are simply a furthering of old mythical tales, and our culture feeds on these stories just as classical Romans and Greeks fed on their own persuasive and pervasive myths.
From the Paper
"The classical myths of Greece and Rome have much in common with medieval myths, because ultimately, all myths have elements in common. The Greek and Roman myths dwell most often on heroes, Gods, and Goddesses. Their characters are larger than life ? someone the reader can look up to. Medieval myths also heavily rely on heroes who commit heroic deeds, such as Charlemagne and King Arthur. One difference is many of the heroes in medieval myths were real people, while most of the heroes in Greek and Roman myth were just that ? myths. Medieval myths took mythology one step further, because they often commemorated and idealized the deeds of real people, and this was quite a step away from classical mythology."
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Greco-Roman Mythology and Christianity, 2004.
An examination of the impact and influence of Greco-Roman mythology on early Christianity.
3,019 words (approx. 12.1 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 88.95
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Abstract
Greco-Roman mythology has quite obviously influenced Christianity. These parallel myths are made evident throughout the Bible and are a testament to the ability of two cultures to meld their beliefs.This paper looks at the mythology's influence on Christianity and compares old Greco-Roman gods to the saints used in Christianity. It also compares old stories and myths from Greco-Roman mythology that were transformed and rewritten in the Bible.
Introduction
Influence of Greco-Roman Mythology on Christianity
Comparison of Saints, Stories and Myths
Bible Stories compared to Greek Myths
Discussion and Conclusion
From the Paper
"The book, Hellenism and Christianity asserts that Christianity and Greco-Roman sentiment meshed and that this melding is evident from the very first Christian writings to the church of Thessalonica during the reign of Claudius. (Bevan and Allen 1921) The authors contend that the Christian writing takes the ?old body of ideas, emotions, and desires which made up the mentality of the Greco-Roman world.? (Bevan and Allen 1921) Ultimately, the authors argue, Christianity is nothing more than the fusion of the Greco-Roman world and a Christ based religion."
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Greek Mythology, 2005.
This paper examines mythology of the ancient Greeks and its relationship to their culture.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
The paper explores how mythology of the ancient Greeks expressed their views of themselves and of the world around them on a number of levels. The paper explains that mythology served as a quasi-historical background to each separate city-state and reinforced their sense of pride and of identity. The paper adds that it also expressed the national character and imparted heroic qualities to their perseverance, courage and enterprise. The paper describes how mythology offered opportunities for them to further their love of beauty and their desire for philosophical inquiry.
From the Paper
"In exploring the myths of the Greek civilization, one can apprehend the interconnectedness of the Greek character and culture with their stories of the fabulous past. On one level, myths attempt to preserve the history of a people, and tend to reflect historical events, albeit in a rather stylized and fictionalized format. On another level, myths express the views and self-image of a people, by personifying elements of the national character at a heroic level. On yet another level, myths offer a divine explanation for natural, but puzzling, occurrences, as a particular nation chooses to understand them. The early Greeks were composed of small, family-centered tribes living in hamlets. Pirates from land and especially from sea were a constant danger."
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Hindu Mythology, 2004.
An overview of Hindu mythology.
1,738 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the age-old Hindu mythology. The paper contends that even today Hinduism mythology continues to be an integral part of the ever-changing global culture and remains as important as the Bible or the Koran. The paper examines the universal and cosmic concepts of Hindu mythology, which encompass so many world beliefs, that continue to make this Eastern tradition so vital thousands of years after it first came about.
From the Paper
"Hindu mythology contains many different stories about these major as well as the minor gods. Nearly all stories are based on fundamentally similar concepts and ideas. These include the triads, as noted previously, in addition to 1) Performing a Penance: Humans and demi-gods or asuras are usually in a state of deep penance and meditation to reach the aura of a particular god. In this condition, they are separated from the world and deprived of any pleasures; 2) Granting of a Boon or generosity: In many situations of penance, Lord Brahma, Vishnu or Siva frequently appear and grant a wish of power to the person. The desire may be protection against a specific type of creature or a limited form of immortality. There are many different wishes found in the world of Indian mythology. 3) The curse or Schaap, where either a god or a seer/rishi is angered and puts a curse on a person affected; 4) Relief from Curse: In such situations, there are also some antidotes to the curse that may consist of some specific instance occurring in the future life; 7) Deva-Asura war: Hindu mythological tales are filled with instances of war between the asuras and devataas/angels because asuras are usually forceful and strong-headed and want to conquer the territories occupied by the devadaas (Knapp 53)."
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Love in Mythology, 2004.
An analysis of the ideals of love as they appear in mythology.
1,357 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper contends that, within almost every literary genre, there are myths about love that fuel ideals that are rarely, if ever, realized. There is no place where this is more true than in the stories of mythology. The perpetual love myths that exist in classical mythology demonstrate ideals confronted even today by individuals searching for love. The ideals of love explored in this paper include love at first sight, the myth of 'one true love,' and the human phenomenon of overly idealizing unobtainable love.
From the Paper
"Of course, in today?s secular world most rational people would discredit a flying boy and his arrows because it?s just not possible, but they find other ways to believe in the existence of the power he was said to possess. Instead we choose to interpret Cupid?s powers as acts of fate. Another description of love at first sight is ?the blissful melting of souls that would somehow? make their existence meaningful? (White 45). The relationships that are results of the acts of fate that create the ideals of love at first sight follow that, the idea of a love connection, when its destined happens instantaneously. There are countless modern examples of the perpetuation of the phenomena of love at first sight, movies, books even television programs that feed this idea. The myths of love at first sight often leave normal every day people with feelings of having been left behind or forgotten by fate, possibly feeling as if they don?t deserve to have ?That sort of love.? Furthermore, considering Cupids? role in this love myth, to be literally struck by an arrow is painful, but being struck by Cupid?s love arrow does not hurt, after all it is the legendary reason for love a first sight."
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World Mythology, 2007.
An analysis of the ancient Egyptians' concept of the after-life, as described by world mythology.
1,184 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the mysterious and captivating aspect of world mythology that involves the numerous theories surrounding the beliefs that an individual holds regarding what occurs after death. Specifically, it analyzes and interprets the aspect of world mythology regarding the ancient Egyptians' concept of the after-life. The paper concludes with a brief explanation of the writer's personal beliefs on this topic.
From the Paper
"World mythology, religion and cultural beliefs will always remain an enticing mystery, as people search and yearn for something to believe in. Death and what occurs afterwards is one of the most fascinating aspects of any religion. The beliefs of the ancient Egyptians differ from many present-day theories of what occurs after death. Most people currently believe in some form of "heaven" or "hell," but very few actually spend their lives preparing for the after-life of their "leaders" or family members as the Egyptians did. I do not fully believe in the ancient Egyptians' concept of the after-life because my beliefs are comparable to those of the Roman Catholics, for that is the way that I was raised when I was a child. However, I do believe in a "heaven" and a "hell," ideas that originated with Greek philosophers who strongly influenced the early apostate Christian thinkers."
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Mythology in Art: the Ara Pacis and the Parthenon, 2003.
This paper looks at the ways in which mythology served as the means of legitimizing power for rulers who built and/or renovated the Ara Pacis and the Parthenon.
2,104 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper begins by focusing on the Ara Pacis and then moves on to the Parthenon. Its argument is that both of these structures serve as sources of legitimization of power and that the means of this legitimization is mythology.
From the Paper
"Two works of art, the Ara Pacis monument and the Parthenon, exemplify the use of mythology as a tool of legitimization. In each case, the patrons sought to solidify their power by associating their societies with the gods. In the case of the Ara Pacis (fig. 1), Augustus sought to revitalize the Roman state to its former grandeur by building a monument to peace and a virtuous society. As David Castriota states, in The Ara Pacis Augustae?: ?The Ara Pacis was a complex creation intended to embody the ideology of the Roman state at a pivotal stage of its development? Augustus and the ruling Roman elite? were? committed to the belief that the Roman state could meet the imperial challenge only by renewing and revitalizing popular belief in the national mores and institutions which had been progressively eroded by the decades of military and political strife, social unrest, and cultural confrontation endemic to the Late Republic (3).? In the case of the Parthenon, Pericles sought to associate the victory of Athens over the Persians (in the Persian war) with the gods. This war began in 499 B.C. and stretched into the year 480 B.C., when the Persians sacked Athens (Skokstad 178). The temple was dedicated to Athena, the goddess of victory in war. Pericles claimed that she helped the Athenians vanquish over the Persians."
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Early American Mythology of Poe and Irving, 2005.
Examines works by Washington Irving and Edgar Allan Poe to discuss mythology in early America.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at two works by Washington Irving, "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and Edgar Allan Poe's "Fall of the House of Usher" as examples of American mythology. The paper discusses similarities of theme, structure and cultural context of these three stories, comparing them to contemporary urban legends in their moral-giving roles.
From the Paper
"The short stories by Washington Irving, "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "The Fall of the House of Usher" written by Edgar Allan Poe are all relatively early American short stories, written by authors with a penchant for darkness in their works. While written in different time periods, by authors with very different backgrounds, these stories' similarities outweigh their differences, as we shall see. All three stories share thematic, structural, historical and cultural similarities that give the reader a particular sense of the mystical in such a way as to call them American mythology. Poe's and Irving's stories are not light-hearted, and are written in serious tones that lead the reader to wonder if they're really true or not."
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Mortality and Mythology, 2002.
A discussion of the themes of social and mortal suffering and mythology in ?Prometheus? by Lord Byron and ?Leda and the Swan? by W. B. Yeats.
1,177 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how poetry is a good example of how the effective and powerful portrayal of mythology, especially in Lord Byron and W. B. Yeats? literary works. It looks at how the theme of mortality is an important issue often discussed in works of poetry depicting myths and it characters. It shows how the direct comparison between gods and man illustrates the ability of man to overcome power and display bravery despite his shortcomings and the gods? advantage for being powerful and possessing extraordinary skills. It analyzes the use of the theme of mortality in the two poets? works, namely ?Prometheus? by Lord Byron, based on the myth of Prometheus, who had experienced sufferings in the hands of the great god Zeus and ?Leda and the Swan? by W. B. Yeats which reflects the stagnation and suffering of humanity, as expressed by the ?harassment? and violation Leda experiences under the swan?s (Zeus) control.
From the Paper
"Similarly, Lord Byron?s ?Prometheus? is an example of Man?s mortality and conflict with the immortal gods. Mortality is usually perceived as weakness, while immortality is associated with power, since being an immortal denies you the gift of Death, which most people fear and do not want to happen. Mortality is portrayed in Byron?s poem through Prometheus? suffering, which is evoked in the opening lines of the poem: ?TITAN! to whose immortal eyes/ The sufferings of mortality/ Seen in their sad reality?? By using the word mortality in rhyme with ?sad reality,? Byron illustrates how mortality is a disadvantageous trait of man if pitted against the powers and immortality of gods, who can never lose because they can live forever. Prometheus? suffering can be likened to Napoleon Bonaparte who has to experience suffering and death first before the society realized his fight for freedom of all people. "
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Greek Mythology: Women in Greek Life, 2002.
Examining the way in which women were depicted in classic Greek mythology.
1,025 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces, discuss and analyzes the topic of Greek mythology. Specifically, it contains an analysis of the role of women in Greek life as depicted in literature. It discusses how women underwent a tremendous change between the time of Homer and that of Aristophanes four hundred years later, as five different plays clearly illustrate. Early Greek women were one-dimensional and needy, while four hundred years later they were feminists complaining about their sex lives.
From the Paper
"Women in Greek life are portrayed in a wide variety of ways, and they did indeed change between Homer's type and Aristophanes' time. Homer often portrays women as scheming to keep men from performing their duty, such as how Calypso holds Ulysses on her island in "The Odyssey," attempting to keep her with him rather than allow him to return to his home and family. "This daughter of Atlas has got hold of poor unhappy Ulysses, and keeps trying by every kind of blandishment to make him forget his home, so that he is tired of life, and thinks of nothing but how he may once more see the smoke of his own chimneys" (Odyssey, Book I). In the Iliad, Homer continues to portray women as one-dimensional beings without feelings when he has Chryseis, the daughter of Chryses given as a war prize to Agamemnon as his share of the looting and subsequently ransomed by her father."
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Creation Mythology, 2004.
An analysis of the mythology of the origin of the universe.
1,660 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the creation mythology evident in the book of Genesis and compares it to one of the oldest Japanese myths about creation from "Genji Shibukawa: Tales from the Kojiki compiled in 712 CE" by O No Yasumaro. The paper draws on the similarities between the two stories of the creation of the universe.
From the Paper
"A culture's belief about the beginning of the world is called a creation myth, story or tale. An explanation of the origin of the universe is known as a cosmogony. It is difficult to find any people throughout the world who do not have some explanation for the source of life. One of the most interesting aspects of creation mythology is the similarities that exist among descriptions, whether they are from the Judeo/Christian Bible or from African, Native American, South American, Greek, Japanese or Australian cultures. Common themes are present in both the West and East. From the earliest humans, who painted on the walls of their cave, there has been a need to search for answers and explain the unknown."
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Mythology: The Lost Discipline, 2004.
An exploration of the impact that mythology has had on our everyday lives.
2,292 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper highlights the under-appreciated influence that mythology has had and continues to have in our everyday lives. It covers the importance that myth had to our ancestors and discusses some of the most universal myths and the role they play in our religions and values today.
From the Paper
"Society has a tendency to disregard the ideas of past generations with unabashed contempt. Today there is little credence paid to the ideas of our intellectual forbearers. The death of our mythology is as evident an example as required to validate that point. Once mythology existed in everyday life, now it is viewed with a sort of embarrassment that members of our species, no matter how archaic, ever held such preposterous stories in high regard. Mythology is the creation of the people and culture which bears it and it no surprise that we dismiss ancient mythology without second thought when it is considered that modern mankind has no mythology. This is a most disturbing problem. "
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Egyptian Mythology, 2004.
An in depth discussion on Egyptian mythology.
1,130 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper begins with a description of the numerous deities and their special purpose of the Ancient Egyptian mythology. It continues to discuss creation myths, funeral practices and beliefs in the afterlife. The paper concludes with an Egyptian worldview.
From the Paper
"The history of Ancient Egypt encompasses a span of approximately three millennia and more than thirty dynasties. Within this ancient culture a number of myths, gods and rituals provide us with rich insight into the values, beliefs and practices of Egyptians. A large number of gods are instrumental in revealing the worldview of the Ancient Egyptians including their mythology. Creation, myths, funeral practices and beliefs regarding the afterlife are all either directly or indirectly connected to these gods. This analysis will discuss the gods of Ancient ..."
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World Mythology, 2004.
A discussion of world mythology as perceived through the eyes of Joseph Campbell.
1,638 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how one of the most significant theories of perceptual similarity amongst the heroes of different regions and different myths was the textual vision of Joseph Campbell. He wrote several books concerning mythological topics as he walked through different regions and grasped in depth knowledge of them. It analyzes Campbell's theory that all myths and epics are linked and that they are natural indications of the universal need of the human psyche to explain social, astrophysical, and spiritual truths. It also looks at how Joseph believed that all the historical figures or heroes found in a myth have some resemblance with the figures in other myths, and the hero in one geographical area would have been the hero in the other, mythological place, as well.
From the Paper
"Campbell also narrates that the fantasy stories of the mystical heroes is a method to discover your own self and may help one to fulfill his personal goals. He also maintains that most of the time the hero?s journey is from childhood to adulthood while he is constantly trying to unearth his roots and his past. He describes a myth as a human need. The way to narrate this may be different in different cultures and thus the title the hero with thousand faces. The people tell stories in every region of the world but they all have a beginning, middle and an ending."
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