World Literature I

World Myths and Folktales

2007-08

World Myths and Folktales

Myths

Folktales

Folktales & Myths: the difference

Myths are a direct expression of a culture’s religious beliefs;

folktales are not

Tales about the Beginning Origin Myths

Golden Era Myths

Roles of Gods & Goddesses

Staying power of myths

archetypes

Purpose of myths Provides sense of place in universe

Stories outgrowth of Myths

The Hero and the Quest Monomyth

Modern examples

Mythic Hero

Who are the Quest Heroes?

Who are the Quest Heroes?

Folktale Hero

The Quest

Quest:

Help on Quest

Paths of the Quest

Risk

Involves the unknown

Ultimate sacrifice

Survival & rewards

Meaning of the quest

symbolic to life Killing monsters

Descending to underworld