Posted: May 28th, 2022

Interpretative Analysis of Creation Myths

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Interpretative Analysis of Creation Myths Directions Part 1 Interpret at least ONE of the above assigned myth. Interpretation of a myth requires examination of the myth from various levels and perspectives. In addition to seeing the myth’s themes through the analogy of the myth onion, you must also do a close reading of the myth followed by a close (symbol by symbol) interpretation of it. Then you must connect the meanings you have derived to a larger question and to its significance in its culture of origin. Here is a process you can follow in order to do an effective interpretation: • o Do a close reading of the myth. o Annotate the myth even as you read, noting the elements (the symbols, the juxtapositions, the events, etc.). o Understand what the larger purpose of the myth is. For example, is the myth about a sociological function; is the myth paradigmatic for behaviors; is the myth about the relationship between man and divine? NOTE: Most myths address all of these levels, but most myths will also have one function or purpose that over-arches. o Once you have understood the larger purpose, examine its various elements from that perspective. For example, examine what symbols it uses and why. What paradigmatic behaviors do its characters portray and why? Etc. o NOTE: You must necessarily see these elements in relation to each myth’s respective culture and explore how and why the elements of the myth are significant to that society and to the people of that society. To develop your responses, also consider: • o The materials you read for the myth interpretation quiz o The introduction to each myth in your textbook o The symbology of the myths o The relationship of the myths to the mythology of creations as discussed in Chapter 2 (Creation Myths) of your textbook o The layers of the myth onion o The sample interpretation of Ganga (Module 5) Consider the following tips and suggestions to focus your interpretation: 1. In the Norse myth of creation, consider the opposites that are juxtaposed and examine why this is so. (For example. fire and ice, light and darkness, evil and good, creation and void, etc.). Perhaps the function of this myth is portray man’s relationship with the divine elements of nature and its polarities. 2. Violence seems to be an integral part of the Greek myth of creation. Why do you think this is so? Perhaps the function of this myth is to establish the necessity of violence in a warrior society and to show the difference between good violence and bad violence. 3. The Sumerian myth of creation seems to be about fertility and abundance. How does man fit into this design? The function of this myth appears to be to establish nature’s relationship with man and show him that nature is giving. 4. In the Hindu myth of creation, Narayan the Supreme Being, appears to be the Creator, Creation, and Created? This myth’s function is perhaps to show man the nature of transcendence. Your responses should be: • approximately 500-700 words • supported with good examples from the myths • supported with critical analysis of symbols represented in the myths • supported with critical thought about what the elements of the myth tell us about the culture • cited accurately according to MLA • When you post your response in Discussions, please state which myth you are analyzing at the top of your post. (For example: Analysis of the Greek Creation Myth.) This will allow your peers to immediately see which myth’s analysis they are reading when they post peer comments. Note: Use the excerpt of the textbook I provided as the PRIMARY Source that is being cited.

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