There are four basic theories in mythology. These theories are the rational myth theory, the functional myth theory, the structural myth theory, and the psychological myth theory. The rational myth theory states that myths are created to explain natural events and forces. Functional myths are a type of myths that are created as a kind of social control. The structural myth theory states that myths are patterned after the human mind as well as human nature. The psychological myth states that myths are created based on human emotion.
Rational myth theory states that myths are made to better understand natural events and forces that occur in the everyday lives of people. This theory also explains that gods and goddesses controlled all of these happenings of nature. Creation myths from different cultures are all examples of rational myths. They explain how man was created and explain what god and g
Structural myths are said to be myths based on human emotion. These types of myths show both the good and bad sides of human beings. They show the divided self and the duality of human nature. Myths of Hercules show how the human mind can be both good as well as bad. In one myth of Hercules he steals from a god and in others he is a hero rewarded by all, but even when he steals he is punished only by his own guilt. The fact that no one else shows him any type of consequence for his actions shows the division of good and evil within oneself as their conscious.
The psychological myth theory shows how myths are based on human emotion and that they come from the subconscious mind. Cultures all around the world had similar fears, questions, and wishes which, to them, were unexplainable. That is the reason that psychological myths exist; and why there are certain archetypes shared among different cultures. Archetypes are gener
Example Essays Home
