Myth, mythology

Definition

John Anthony Cuddon in his book Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory speaks of Myth as " a story which is not ‘true’ and which involves (as a rule) supernatural beings – or at any rate supra-human beings. Myth is always concerned with creation and explains how something came to exist." (Cuddon 453).

Encyclopædia Britannica defines Myth as " a symbolic narrative, usually of unknown origin and at least partly traditional, that ostensibly relates actual events and that is especially associated with religious belief. It is distinguished from symbolic behaviour (cult, ritual) and symbolic places or objects (temples, icons). Myths are specific accounts of gods or superhuman beings involved in extraordinary events or circumstances in a time that is unspecified but which is understood as existing apart from ordinary human experience."
("Myth").

Examples

The Gift of Fire
Zeus and Prometheus
(Greek mythology)

According to the myth, Zeus had claimed dominion over fire and did not want humans to have it. Fire was seen as a symbol of knowledge, civilization, and progress. Denied access to fire, humans lived in darkness, cold, and were unable to cook food or create tools.

Prometheus, however, took pity on humans and decided to help them. In an act of defiance against Zeus' command, Prometheus stole fire from Olympus and brought it down to Earth, gifting it to humanity. This act not only provided warmth and light but also enabled humans to cook food, forge tools, and make significant advancements in their civilizations.

Zeus, furious at Prometheus' disobedience, sought to punish him. In response, he devised a plan to create the first woman, Pandora, who was endowed with various gifts by the gods. She was sent to live with humans, carrying with her a box (often referred to as Pandora's Box) which, when opened, released all manner of troubles and evils into the world.

Prometheus, in his foresight, had warned his brother Epimetheus not to accept any gifts from the gods. However, Epimetheus was enchanted by Pandora's beauty and accepted her, along with the mysterious box. When Pandora eventually opened the box out of curiosity, all the plights and miseries of the world were set loose, leaving only hope inside.

Prometheus' punishment was severe. Zeus had him bound to a rock in the Caucasus Mountains, where an eagle (or vulture) would visit him each day to eat his liver, which would regenerate overnight due to Prometheus' immortal nature. This torment was to be endured for eternity, making it a particularly harsh punishment.

The Tale of Rusalka and the Prince
(Slavic mythology)

In a small village near a serene lake, there lived a Rusalka named Marina. She was known for her stunning beauty and hauntingly enchanting voice. Marina was once a mortal woman who tragically drowned in the lake, and as a result, she became a Rusalka, forever bound to the water.

One moonlit night, a handsome prince named Ivan happened upon the lake while hunting. Mesmerized by the ethereal beauty of Marina, he approached the water's edge. As their eyes met, Ivan felt an inexplicable connection to the Rusalka.

Marina, too, was captivated by the prince's charm and kindness. Night after night, they met by the lake, sharing stories and laughter. Their hearts became entwined in a forbidden love.

However, Marina knew that their love could never be fully realized. She was bound to the water, unable to step onto dry land. She also knew that the world of humans held dangers for her kind.

Despite the challenges, their love continued to grow. Marina's voice enchanted the woods, and her songs were heard by creatures far and wide. Word of the mysterious singing Rusalka spread through the kingdom.

One fateful day, a sorceress with a vendetta against Rusalki learned of Marina's existence. Consumed by jealousy, the sorceress concocted a powerful spell to trap Marina forever.

The sorceress lured Marina away from the lake, promising a way for her to be with Ivan on land. As Marina stepped onto the shore, her fin-like feet transformed into legs. She could walk on land, but at a great cost.

With her newfound freedom came excruciating pain. Every step Marina took felt like walking on shards of glass. Desperate to escape the agony, she returned to the lake, hoping to undo the sorceress's spell.

When Ivan saw Marina's suffering, his heart broke. He vowed to find a way to break the curse, to reunite with his beloved Rusalka.

Here the story of Rusalka and the prince changes depending on the specific version or retelling. It is important to note that folklore and myths often have multiple variations and interpretations, and the endings can vary depending on the storyteller or cultural context. Even Antonín Dvořák made an opera named "Rusalka".

Tragic ending:

The curse on Marina cannot be broken. Despite Ivan's efforts and love for her, Marina's pain and suffering continue. Realizing that their love can never truly be, Marina makes the heartbreaking decision to return to the depths of the lake, where she can find peace as a Rusalka. Ivan is left heartbroken, forever haunted by the memory of his lost love.

Hopeful ending:

Ivan embarks on a quest to seek the help of a powerful sorcerer or magical creature who holds the key to breaking the curse. Through a series of trials and challenges, Ivan proves his love and dedication to Marina. With the aid of the sorcerer's magic, the curse is lifted, allowing Marina to live on land with Ivan. They are able to be together and live out their days in happiness and love.

The Tale of Thor's Journey to Utgard-Loki
(Norse mythology)

One day, Thor, the powerful god of thunder, and his companion Loki set out on a journey. They traveled for days until they reached a vast forest. As night fell, they decided to rest, but they couldn't find a suitable place to camp.

Soon, they stumbled upon a giant's hall, and, with no other options, they decided to seek shelter there. They entered and were met by the giant Utgard-Loki, the ruler of the hall. Utgard-Loki, recognizing them as gods, extended his hospitality.

Curious about the extent of Thor and Loki's powers, Utgard-Loki proposed a series of challenges. He asked Loki to engage in an eating contest against a giant named Logi, who turned out to be wildfire itself. Despite Loki's impressive efforts, he lost.

Next, Utgard-Loki challenged Thor to a series of trials, testing his strength. Thor attempted to lift a giant's cat, but only managed to get one paw off the ground. He then competed in a drinking contest, but the end of the horn seemed to be infinitely distant. Lastly, he was challenged to wrestle an old woman, but was ultimately unable to pin her. It was revealed that she was Old Age, a force that eventually defeats even the mightiest.

Utgard-Loki then confessed that he had used powerful illusions to deceive the gods. The "cat" was in fact Jormungandr, the Midgard Serpent; the "drinking horn" extended into the sea, and the old woman was Old Age, an opponent no one can truly conquer.

Thor, though angered by the trickery, acknowledged the power of the giants. He and Loki departed, humbled by their experiences.

Works cited

Cuddon, J.A. A Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory. Wiley-Blackwell, 2013.

Bolle, Kees W. , Buxton, Richard G.A. and Smith, Jonathan Z.. "myth". Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Sep. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/topic/myth. Accessed 20 October 2023.

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Prometheus". Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Dec. 2022, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Prometheus-Greek-god. Accessed 20 October 2023.

"Prometheus - Greeka.Com." Greeka.Com, www.greeka.com/greece-myths/prometheus/. Accessed 20 October 2023.

Machal, Jan. "Slavic." The Mythology of All Races in Thirteen Volumes, edited by Louis Herbert Gray, Consulting Editor George Foot Moore, vol. III, Marshall Jones Company, 1918, pp. 253-255.

Kononenko, Natalie. Slavic Folklore: A Handbook. Greenwood Press, 2007.

"Thor's Journey to Utgard-Loki." Hurstwic, www.hurstwic.org/history/articles/mythology/myths/text/thor_utgard.htm. Accessed 20 October 2023.

"Thor's Journey to Utgard." The Norse Gods, thenorsegods.com/thors-journey-to-utgard/. Accessed 20 October 2023.

Antonín Holec (537764)

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