Myth: A Literary Device and Genre

Myth: Etymology

The term “myth” traces its etymological origins to the Greek word “muthos,” signifying a traditional or narrative story. In ancient Greece, “muthos” encompassed not only myths but also broader elements of storytelling, including fables, legends, and tales.

Over time, the concept of myth evolved, and in classical antiquity, it came to represent sacred narratives explaining the origins of the cosmos, natural phenomena, and the deeds of gods and heroes.

Its journey through different cultures and languages underscores its universality, as myths have persisted across civilizations, offering symbolic narratives that convey cultural values, beliefs, and the collective imagination of societies throughout history.

Myth: Derivatives

1. Mythical: Adjective form denoting something related to or characteristic of myths. For example, “a mythical creature” refers to a being from mythology.
2. Mythology: The study or collection of myths belonging to a particular cultural, religious, or ethnic group. It encompasses the systematic exploration and interpretation of these traditional narratives.
3. Mythic: Adjective describing elements that are symbolic, legendary, or embodying the characteristics of myths. For instance, “a mythic hero” refers to a figure with legendary qualities.
4. Mythologize: The verb form, referring to the act of turning something into or treating something as a myth. This could involve attributing legendary qualities to events or characters.
5. Mythopoeia: The creation or composition of myths. It can also refer to the genre of literature that involves the deliberate invention of myths.
6. Mythologist: A person who specializes in the study of myths, mythologies, and the interpretation of symbolic narratives.

These derivatives highlight the diverse ways in which the concept of myth is employed, extending beyond the narratives themselves to encompass the study, creation, and interpretation of these symbolic stories.

Myth: As a Literary Device

Myth serves as a potent literary device by weaving symbolic narratives that transcend the immediate plot, imbuing stories with deeper cultural, moral, or archetypal significance. Employed as a narrative framework, myths provide a rich tapestry for exploring universal themes, archetypal characters, and the complexities of the human condition.

In literature, myths act as foundational elements, contributing layers of meaning that resonate beyond the literal, inviting readers to engage with allegorical dimensions and grapple with profound philosophical questions.

Myth: As a Literary Genre

As a literary genre, myth constitutes a distinctive narrative form characterized by its sacred or cultural significance, often rooted in religious beliefs or collective traditions. Myths transcend time and place, embodying archetypal motifs and universal themes that resonate across cultures. Within the literary realm, myth as a genre provides a framework for exploring the origins of existence, the dynamics of the divine, and the fundamental aspects of human experience through allegorical storytelling.

Myth: Types in Literature

Type	Features
Creation Myths	Explore the origins of the world, humanity, and natural phenomena, often incorporating divine beings and cosmogonic processes.
Heroic Myths	Center around legendary figures undertaking quests, facing challenges, and displaying extraordinary feats, embodying cultural ideals and virtues.
Trickster Myths	Feature mischievous or clever characters who outwit others, challenging societal norms and providing a humorous or subversive perspective.
Cosmogonic Myths	Focus on the creation and organization of the universe, detailing the formation of celestial bodies and fundamental elements.
Etiological Myths	Explain the origins of natural phenomena, cultural practices, or customs, offering symbolic narratives to elucidate the roots of specific aspects of human experience.
Myths of Transformation	Portray characters undergoing significant metamorphoses, reflecting themes of personal growth, rebirth, or the cyclical nature of life.
Apocalyptic Myths	Envision cataclysmic events or the end of the world, often tied to moral or cosmic consequences.
Ancestor Myths	Reverence the lives and deeds of ancestral figures, establishing cultural or familial lineages and reinforcing communal identity.
Folk Myths	Emerge from oral traditions and collective storytelling, embodying the wisdom, beliefs, and values of a particular community.
Deification Myths	Involve the elevation of mortals into divine beings, exploring the blurring of boundaries between humanity and the divine.

Myth: Examples in English Literature

1. Creation Myths:
   • Paradise Lost by John Milton: This epic poem explores the biblical creation story, narrating the fall of Lucifer and the creation of Adam and Eve.
2. Heroic Myths:
   • The Odyssey by Homer: A classic Greek epic that follows the hero Odysseus on his journey home after the Trojan War, encountering mythical creatures and challenges.
3. Trickster Myths:
   • The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer: “The Miller’s Tale” features a mischievous character, Absalom, who attempts to woo a woman with humorous and deceitful tactics.
4. Cosmogonic Myths:
   • The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien: This work delves into the cosmogony of Tolkien’s fictional world, exploring the creation of Middle-earth and its diverse inhabitants.
5. Etiological Myths:
   • Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving: The tale offers an origin story for the Catskill Mountains, explaining their formation during Rip Van Winkle’s enchanted sleep.
6. Myths of Transformation:
   • Metamorphoses by Ovid: A collection of mythological tales where transformations play a central role, such as the story of Daphne turning into a laurel tree.
7. Apocalyptic Myths:
   • The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells: Depicting an apocalyptic scenario of Earth invaded by Martians, the novel explores the consequences of extraterrestrial contact.
8. Ancestor Myths:
   • Beowulf by Unknown Author: The epic poem celebrates the heroic deeds of the warrior Beowulf, emphasizing his lineage and heroic ancestry.
9. Folk Myths:
   • Brer Rabbit Stories from African American folklore: These tales feature Brer Rabbit as a trickster figure, outsmarting his adversaries and embodying wisdom through storytelling.
10. Deification Myths:
    • Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan: The series modernizes Greek mythology, portraying demigods who are the offspring of gods and mortals, emphasizing their struggles and adventures.

Myth: Suggested Readings

1. Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Princeton UP, 1949.
2. Frazer, James George. The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion. Macmillan, 1922.
3. Graves, Robert. The Greek Myths. Penguin Books, 1955.
4. Hamilton, Edith. Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes. New American Library, 1942.
5. Leeming, David Adams. The World of Myth: An Anthology. Oxford UP, 1990.
6. Ovid. Metamorphoses. Translated by A. D. Melville, Oxford UP, 1986.
7. Propp, Vladimir. Morphology of the Folktale. Translated by Laurence Scott, U of Texas P, 1968.
8. Riordan, Rick. The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book 1). Hyperion Books for Children, 2005.
9. Tolkien, J.R.R. The Silmarillion. Houghton Mifflin, 1977.
10. Yeats, W.B. The Celtic Twilight: Faerie and Folklore. Cuala Press, 1893.

Read more on Literary Devices below:

• Deductive Reasoning: A Literary Device
• Deductive Reasoning in Literature
• Denouement: A Literary Device
• Denouement in Literature