Friday, October 24, 2008

Mythology Definitions

A myth is a traditional or legendary story, usually concerning some being or hero or event, with or without a determinable basis of fact or a natural explanation, esp. one that is concerned with deities or demigods and explains some practice, rite, or phenomenon of nature. An example of a myth is the story of Ceyx and Alcyone.

A hero is a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. An example of a hero is Theseus.

A hero journey is. An example of a hero journey is the travels of Frodo in the Lord of the Rings series.

Universal means of, pertaining to, or characteristic of all or the whole, applicable everywhere or in all cases; general or affecting, concerning, or involving all. An example of something universal is the cycle of life and death because it happens to everything.

Cyclical is reoccurring or moving in cycles or having parts arranged in a circle. An example of cyclical is night and day.

Life from death. An example of life from death is when a fire in the forest destroys everything, making it easier for little plants to grow.

Duality is the quality or character of being twofold; dichotomy. An example of duality is the ancient symbol of Yin and Yang.

An archetype is the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype. An example of an archetype is Earth because as far as we know, it is the first and only planet like it.

Creation is the act of producing or causing to exist; the act of creating; engendering. An example of creation is the egg in ancient mythology.

Matriarchal is a group or community ruled by a female leader. An example of matriarchal is Mother Earth.

Patriarchal is a group or society ruled by a male leader. An example of patriarchal is a king of a country.

A sacrifice is the offering of animal, plant, or human life or of some material possession to a deity, as in propitiation or homage. An example of a sacrifice is how Horus gave up his eye to save his father.

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