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Explore myths that were created to explain seasons, weather, and nature.
Imagine living in a world without science books or weather apps. How would you explain why the leaves turn red or why the sun disappears every night?
Thousands of years ago, people didn't have satellites to track hurricanes or thermometers to measure heat. Instead, they used origin myths to explain the "how" and "why" of the natural world. An origin myth is a traditional story that explains how something began—like the first sunrise, the changing seasons, or the creation of the stars. These stories helped ancient people make sense of a world that often felt unpredictable and scary. By turning a confusing event into a story, it became easier to remember and share with others.
Quick Check
What is the primary purpose of an origin myth?
Answer
To explain the beginning or cause of a natural phenomenon.
To make nature more relatable, myth-makers used personification. This is a literary tool where authors give human qualities—like feelings, voices, or intentions—to non-human things. Instead of saying 'the ocean waves were high,' a myth might say 'the Sea God was throwing a temper tantrum.' By giving the ocean a human emotion (anger), the story explains why the water is rough. This makes the natural world feel like a collection of characters rather than just random events.
Look at these two descriptions of a thunderstorm: 1. Scientific: 'Electrical discharges in the atmosphere caused a loud sound.' 2. Mythological: 'The Sky Father roared in anger and slammed his golden shield.'
In the second sentence, the thunder is personified as a 'roar' and an 'angry' action by a character.
Quick Check
If a myth says 'The Moon hid her face behind a cloud because she was shy,' what human trait is being used?
Answer
The emotion of shyness (and the action of hiding one's face).
Different cultures often looked at the same event and came up with totally different stories. For example, consider the seasons. The ancient Greeks believed winter happened because the goddess Demeter was sad that her daughter was away. However, some Cherokee myths explain that the world stays warm as long as we respect the animals, and winter is a time of rest. Even though the stories are different, the 'formula' for an origin myth is often similar:
1. Greek Myth: Persephone goes to the Underworld Demeter stops plants from growing Winter occurs. 2. Norse Myth: The Frost Giants blow their icy breath The world freezes Winter occurs.
Both myths explain the same phenomenon (Winter) but use different characters and motivations.
Most origin myths follow a specific structure. They start with a 'Before' state where something is missing or different. Then, a major event or conflict occurs involving a god or hero. Finally, there is an 'After' state that explains the world as we see it today. This structure helps us identify the thematic exploration of the story—what the culture valued or feared.
Analyze the myth of Prometheus: 1. Before: Humans are cold and live in the dark (). 2. Action: Prometheus steals fire from Mount Olympus and gives it to humans (). 3. After: Humans have warmth and technology, but Prometheus is punished ().
This myth explains the origin of fire and human civilization.
Which of these is an example of personification?
In the 'formula' for an origin myth, what does the 'After' state represent?
Two different cultures can have different myths to explain the exact same natural event.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to recall the three parts of the origin myth 'formula' (, , ).
Practice Activity
Look out the window and pick one thing (like a specific tree or the shape of a cloud). Try to invent a 3-sentence origin myth for it using personification!