1. What
conclusions can you draw from the many themes shared by sacred myths?
The
conclusion that it is possible to draw is that our ancestors , no matter where
they were from, shared the same uncertainties and fears, and so their myths
were answers to those questions that were common to the human experience. The
sacred myths have shared themes because of this reason.
2. What
evidence is there that the myths of a world flood may be based on a historic
event?
There are
several evidence, from different science sectors. There are proofs based on
geological evidences, but also the fact that it is possible to observe this
myth in almost every culture is an evidence per se, as the similarities of the
tales indicates a possible historic event.
3. Why is
comparative mythology important to the study of myths?
It is
important because based on similarities and differences it is possible to have
a better understanding of the culture from which the myth is based upon. Moreover,
comparative mythology gives the possibilities to draw evidence from different
myths and discover new possible historic events.
4. The
cultural anthropologist Dr. Jamie Tehrani traced the story of Little Red Riding
Hood back to a common ancestor over 2,600 years old. Why do you think the
structure stayed the same even though he found so many variations and
differences in story elements?
Because Little
Red Riding Hood deals with themes that are common in every culture. It deals
with the fear of stranger, the hero journey, death and many other themes that
are recurring in every culture. So it is possible to argue that the fundament
of the story it is always the same, even through centuries of minor changes.
5. Evil is
often described in myths as entering the world after creation rather than being
a part of it. Why do you think evil is not portrayed as an original part of
creation?
<span>Because
human want to believe that we are inherently good, so by introducing evil later
it depicts it like something that is possible to eradicate and come back to a
state where evil do not exist. Moreover, it tells of a better world where
everyone would want to live in. </span>
