Introduction to Mythology Quiz
Which of the following most accurately describes myth?
A story that attempts to explain the unexplainable Explanation: Myths are born from our own lack of understanding on how things we see, know, or have heard work. So we create stories to fill in the blanks
Which one of the following functions would be most related to a question about why hurricanes happen?
Cosmological Explanation: Cosmological myth deals with the cosmos, including our own earth and how natural phenomenon are understood
Which one of the following would be considered an artificial symbol?
The Christian Halo Explanation: This is artificial because it a) isn't found in nature and b) solely belongs to the symbology of Christianity
Which one of the generalized stories below would best fit into the Psychological / Pedagogical function of myth?
The Hero's Journey Explanation: Pedagogical/Psychological myths are the culmination of the other three functions and asks the question "Now that I know this, what do I do." The "do" here is the journey the hero takes and the choices he/she makes based on the stories they've been taught previously.
We are actively making new myths everyday.
True Explanation: Every story we tell is essentially a new myth. Think about how people in the distant future will see the stories of the events occuring today?
Myths can be used to justify power and authority
True Explanation: Returning or referencing mythological ideas of power innate in the metaphor could be used to justify certain social positions
Which Old Wive's Tale best illustrates a myth? a. Sitting too close to the TV will make you go blind b. All of the above c. Professors are absent minded d. Don't swim for 30 minutes after eating e. Swallowing gum will keep it in your stomach for seven years
b. All of the above Explanation: All of these stories are believed by many different people in different cultures, thus they are consider myth, regardless of their factuality (None of these are true)
Which of these is NOT a myth? a. the Big Bang Theory b. none of the above c. an old wive's tale d. the Trojan Horse e. the creation of Adam and Eve
b. none of the above
Why do myths use metaphor to communicate?
because sometimes words are not sufficient to express something Explanation: Think about how to explain something abstract (like "love") to someone who have never been in love. Typically through metaphor - like butterflies in your stomach
What are universal symbols?
they are symbols viewed in similar ways across cultures Explanation: The term "universal" relates back to a full understanding, typically by everyone
