What is a Myth?

Mythology has played a central role in human culture from the beginning of recorded time. As we begin this exploration of religious mythology, it is important to understand exactly what it is we will be studying. In this activity, we will discover exactly what a myth is and what its characteristics are.

1) Before you get started, take a moment to open a Word Document. Be sure that your name is at the top of the document and the page is titled “What is a Myth?” Now, write a short paragraph in which you define “myth” in your own words and describe some of the characteristics you feel a myth possesses.

2) Now we will visit a site that provides a definition of “myth” that is more commonly accepted. Visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mythology and read through the end of the “Related Concepts” section. Write a new definition and set of characteristics based on the information provided by the site.

3) Write a third paragraph describing the similarities and differences between your definition and Wikipedia’s. Are they similar? Was there a part of the common definition that surprised you?

You should submit a Word Document consisting of three paragraphs in an attachment by E-mail to your teacher.