Essay Example on Myths: Ancient Stories Explaining the Unimaginable

Introduction

A myth is a story that was told during the ancient times to groups of people to explain certain practices, beliefs, or even natural occurrences. Unnatural stories were often used to describe events that are otherwise hard to imagine. For example, different cultures have varying stories on how the earth and sky came to be. Also, explanations of how good and evil came to exist in the world are given through similar stories. The myths which were created in history are still commonly used today to enhance scientific knowledge and even trigger the needed behavior from individuals.

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Etiological Stories

Significant events and natural occurrences were explained through myths. Different cultures had their unique explanations put in place to give meaning to various factors (Essebo 515). For example, the Greek has the myth of the bird Nyx which explains how the world was created from nothing when a bird hatched an egg that split into two halves (Felson 127). The result was the sky and earth. Also, they have the story of Pandora, which explains the creation of good and evil when Pandora opened a box that she was warned to keep closed (Felson 128). Although most are just stories, others seem to be linked to science. That is because of what the ancestors witnessed in the past through geological events. Therefore, the stories feature observations of those who experienced a particular phenomenon. As much as the stories are just myths, they are essential in filling in gaps that exist in scientific knowledge today. The historical geological events can be better understood when experimental data is used alongside the ideas in these tales (Essebo 518). Therefore, it is evident that myths and science have more commonalities than differences. That is because the legends are based on experienced of people in historic times. Therefore, myths are still relevant to us today as they help in enhancing scientific evidence and providing a better understanding of events.

Human Nature and Right or Wrong Choices

Human nature is quite complicated and challenging to understand. Since each individual has unique characteristics, myths have been used to try and explain this difference, as well as some of the features which are considered to make individuals human (Essebo 520). For instance, in Greek culture, Pandora's curiosity prevented her from keeping the box closed. The impulse and lack of self-control are representative of weak human nature. In myths, pride and lack of self-control often lead to tragedy. That shows that human nature is what tends to put them in trouble. All the negative human qualities are punished, which the right conditions are rewarded. Some myths feature individuals being transformed into spiders for being too proud, which the humble are even promoted into godly creatures. For example, in the Greek myth of Bellerophon, the gods favored him for being honorable, and just when he refused the advances of a married woman (Felson 130). Therefore, making good choices, and exhibiting positive human qualities often leads to better outcomes for human beings (Essebo 522). This belief is still evident in society today, where individuals know that bad behavior will lead to negative consequences. Hence, myths can even be used today to educate individuals on the right choices to make regarding various issues.

Supernatural Creatures

Most myths tend to feature supernatural creatures, such as demigods, or talking animals that seem to be coexisting with human beings (Essebo 523). Some creatures regularly take the shape of human beings or vice versa. Others tend to possess bizarre powers. An example of such a supernatural creature is Medusa, who had snakes for hair. She also could turn anyone who saw her into stone. Human and animal characteristics combined are also quite common, where some characters are part human and part animal. Sometimes, these occur due to poor decisions made by human beings. That reflects in today's society where human beings are argued to lose their true nature when they make the wrong choices. Human nature cannot be compared to animal nature. The animals do not feel, and they do not have compassion. Thus, when one acts in such a manner, they lose part of their human side as a result.

Common Characters

Various cultures feature different types of characters. In Greek myths, most characters are heroic (Felson 129). For example, Prometheus is credited with creating human beings and giving them the power to survive. Other legends also feature heroes who made it possible for human beings to lead a life as they do today (Essebo 526). Such are essential characters in today's world as well. They are often used to set examples for the children and youth so that they may know which path to follow for the best outcomes. When growing up, many children hope to become heroes who will be highly valued in their communities. If they can exhibit the same characteristics as these heroes, then the chances are high that better outcomes will be experienced.

Conclusion

The myths are still quite relevant in today's society. The Greek examples used show how these myths feature supernatural creatures and familiar characters such as heroes (Felson 130). Although they are unnatural examples, the effects on society today is evident. They reflect the kind of behavior which individuals are expected to possess. They also highlight the consequences that should be expected from undesirable behaviors. Also, since some are linked to scientific information, it is clear that the myths are still essential since they help in filling gaps for explanations that science cannot provide.

Works Cited

Essebo, Maja. "A Mythical Place: A Conversation on the Earthly Aspects of Myth." Progress in Human Geography, vol. 43, no. 3, June 2019, pp. 515-530. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1177/0309132518768426.

Felson, Nancy R. "Appropriating Ancient Greek Myths: Strategies and Caveats." Studies in Gender & Sexuality, vol. 17, no. 2, Apr. 2016, pp. 126-131. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1080/15240657.2016.1172922.