Mythology

In the assignment the students are required to write an essay describing their current understanding of myth. In this paper they are asked to answer three specific questions. These questions include: (a) if there are any particular cultures that they associate with the notion of myth, (b) identify any myths in which they might be familiar with, and (c) do they believe that myth and mythology has had an effect on their personal or professional life.

According to Wikipedia, mythology "literally means the (oral) retelling of myths -- stories that a particular culture believes to be true and that use the supernatural to interpret natural events and to explain the nature of the universe and humanity" (2005). "Myths are generally narratives based on tradition and legend designed to explain the universal and local beginnings. . . natural phenomena, inexplicable cultural conventions, and anything else for which no simple explanation presents itself" (Wikipedia, 2005).

There are several cultures that I particularly associate with mythology and myths. These cultures include the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Norse and the Native Americans in the United