The Structure of Mythology

Mythology has spawned a vast array of stories originating from an equally vast number of cultures. While the plotlines, characters and even meanings vary from myth to myth, they are not without structure or purpose. It is within this structure that the receiver of the myth can begin to grasp its true purpose. A valuable way to view and understand mythological structure is through three insights: universal, societal and individual. By separating entire myths and even parts of myths into these insights, the purpose behind the myth's creation becomes clearer. Looking back through the myths of various cultures, it is easy to see examples of stories that can each be classified into one of these insights. These examples provide a look into different interpretations and reflections of the cosmos, our societies and their people.

The Universal Insight

Mythology often serves to answer or provide explanations for the ultimate questions. These are the insights into the reasons for human existence, the grand purpose and the creation of the universe. This universal insight takes a step back from individuals and societies and attempts to define context for all things. In terms of humanity, these stories try to describe both where mankind comes from and where it is headed. The past, the future, time and space are all pieces of the universal insight.

The Shilluk People, a Creationism Myth

One of the most common myths based on the universal insight involves creationism. These stories provide the foundation for human existence. They often answer questions regarding where we came from and why we are here. The Shilluks of the Nile region tell of a creator, Juok, who traveled to various regions creating humans from the materials of the land (Creation Myths, 2006). He created the human body parts from needs and purpose related to the land (Earth) on which they would live. Legs were given for mobility, arms for work, speech and hearing for communication and entertainment. Juok represents the giver and sustainer of all life.

The focus on origin and reasons behind creation put this story into the category of a universal insight. A deeper look at the myth's specifics begins to answer the question of mankind's purpose. The order in which the parts of man were created holds significant importance. The emphasis on the creation of arms and legs first introduces the concept of hard work being central to life. This is a concept held highly by the Shilluk people. Also, the description of differing regions spawning different people helps explain why our neighbors may appear differently than us. It creates a connection in mankind while acknowledging the differences. Ultimately, the story of Juok creating man touches on the universal concept of foundation of life.

The example above references one type of story that addresses the universal insight. There are many creation myths that discuss the big picture of origin and purpose. Myths like these provided a glimpse into the meaning behind it all.

The Societal Insight

Other mythology serves to place our societies in context by defining the rules and nature by which people interact. The societal insight introduces the concept of the community and attempts to define the relationships within. Like the universal insight it hints at the question of who we are, but with a focus on the realm of humans and the groups they form. Often societal myths imply specific rules by which communities choose to govern themselves. Other times the rules are unwritten but still understood by the people.

Arthur and the Round Table

King Arthur and the round table is a myth explaining the creation of the round table, his knights and eventually Camelot. The legend of Arthur includes the introduction of a round table in which no member sat in a privileged position (Taylor, 2007). As a king, Arthur governed his people and knights on principles of chivalry. While conflict would be the ultimate downfall of Arthur, these ideas withstood the test of time.

Many people view the legend of Arthur in an individual sense, with the underlying meaning speaking to the actions of the individual. Still, the myth of the round table and even Camelot find their way into the societal insight. Here people are given a structure by which the community should follow. Rules and moral principles guide the relationships among the people as well as the knights. The concept of equal partnership at the round table indicates to society the importance of each part of the whole. It illustrates that while there is superiority in title, there is none in value. To add onto this idea, the principles of chivalry were taught by Arthur. The principles served to further govern the interactions of people within the community. By following these rules, people could enjoy peace and harmony. These were overwhelming insights found in this myth that directly speak to society, not just the individual.

As long as people continue to function within some form of group or society, they will need guidelines to ensure coexistence. The societal insight of myths like the one above serves to look at the manner in which people coexist and how it is achieved.

The Individual Insight

The most specific of the insights is that of the individual. While many myths speak of grander schemes, some choose to focus on the definition of the individual. Some of the most common stories surround feelings and actions of what we should and should not do as individuals. The answer questions like what makes me good or what choices should I make? The individual insight sheds light on the path of the individual and the steps chosen to follow that path. Individual actions are given meaning and purpose.

Pandora's Box

Many have heard the myth of Pandora and the infamous box. The story involves the first woman, Pandora, assigned a task. The task was to guard a box/jar with the instructions to never open it. When curiosity overwhelms her, Pandora opens the box. Out seeps all of the evils now found in today's world. All but one escapes as she hastily closes the box. The remaining trait is that of hope (Lindermans, 2001).

Again, there are people who look at the myth of Pandora and see a big picture statement about good and evil. This would lean towards a universal insight. However, this story is very applicable to the individual insight as it focuses on the actions of one person. The results can be interpreted in many ways. As an individual Pandora is confronted with a choice, not unlike many face daily. The choice is whether or not to give in to internal conflict, in this case curiosity. In this story, Pandora's failure to control her curiosity leads to a great mistake. Still, the myth makes an important point about individual mistakes. The idea that all is not lost from one mistake helps the individual to understand his/her path. Hope is something that remains and helps each person regain the right path.

The individual insight deals with many aspects of the individual. Countless stories tell of choices and characteristics that make up the individual. These stories treat life as a learning process and give meaning to each individual.

A Closer Look, Author's Perspective

Perhaps one of my favorite myths during childhood was the legend of Robin Hood. Only with a deeper understanding of the insights in mythology could I now see how such a story applied to these categories. Robin Hood tells the tale of one of the most notable tricksters in mythology. He is an outlaw, but one of secret nobility, intent on righting the wrongs of current oppressive rulers. The story tells of Robin Hood residing in Sherwood Forest with a band of thieves. These are thieves with altruistic purpose however, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Many have heard the story of Robin Hood but more background can be found here:

http://www.boldoutlaw.com/robbeg/index.html

Until now, we have discussed stories and how they relate to one of the three defined insights. But the insights that can be gained from myths like Robin Hood are not often limited to the singular. In fact many myths are so complex in nature that segments can be applied to all of the insights. I believe Robin Hood most effectively speaks to the individual as well as society. To the individual, this story depicts how complex morality can be. Is stealing wrong? What if it is for a greater purpose? Robin Hood teaches the individual that moral decisions must be decided on an individual basis. Each of us must choose the moral path we will follow. There is no one right answer. To society, the story addresses the dynamic between haves and have-nots. How do we function as a whole with so many differences? What is my place in society? Robin Hood tries to dispel the social classes, inserting the belief that everyone is entitled to fruitful existence. Even within Robin Hood's band of merry men, the societal insight can be gleaned. Each member of the community uses his/her special talents to serve the group. The myth or legend of Robin Hood will always serve to answer questions from both an individual and a societal perspective.

While this paper has simplified mythological structure into three insights, there are many more ways to study and analyze mythology. These three insights provide one gateway into the understanding of such stories. Studying and breaking myths down in such ways is a critical component in the study of humanity. Myths may seem like mere entertainment, but they represent so much more. By studying them we can not only find out more about past cultures, but we can begin to understand more about humanity on a broader scale. These myths allow us to pose the greatest questions of all and better yet, see glimpses of the answers. The evolution of humanity is based on its ability to understand the past, present and even future in some regard. Mythology and its study provide a strong foundation for such enlightenment.

Conclusion

The greatest gift mythology gives a person is a reflection of humanity. It opens up new avenues of exploration into deeper meaning and purpose. By structuring or breaking myths into three insights, universal, societal and individual, this reflection becomes clearer. Myths will forever provide reference to our thoughts in the past, present and future.

References

Creation Myths. (2006). Retrieved April 26, 2008 from

http://www.dreamscape.com/morgana/ophelia.htm

Lindermans, M. (2001). Pandora. Retrieved Arpil 24, 2008 from

http://www.pantheon.org/articles/p/pandora.html Taylor, P. (2007). The Knights of the Round Table. Retrieved April 24, 2008 from http://www.arthurian-legend.com/more-about/more-about-arthur-3.php Wright, A. (2004). A Beginner's Guide to Robin Hood. Retrieved April 22, 2008 from http://www.boldoutlaw.com/robbeg/index.html