Myths Serve Four Basic Functions Essay - 2086 Words

Joseph Campbell informs readers that myths serve four basic functions to humans individually and to society as a whole. The first of these functions is mystical. According to this function, myth provides us with the opportunity to experience the amazement and wonder of the universe. Campbell informs us that myth opens up â€Å"the dimension of mystery† (p. 38), and this mystery is what causes us to be amazed and awestruck with the Earth and with ourselves in relation to the Earth and the universe. Therefore, the mystical function of myth can be spiritual in nature; it examines how our soul is connected with nature, concerning the Earth and the rest of the universe. Through the mystical function, we have the opportunity to experience the connection that ties us to something deeper than just ourselves; myth allows us to connect with our soul on the deepest level of our being and find wonder in ourselves as we relate to nature. The second function that Campbell mentions is the c osmological function, which deals with the science of the universe (p. 39). The cosmological dimension of myth serves to assist us in answering questions about the universe while still maintaining the mystery behind what exactly the universe is. In this function, myth has the ability to provide individuals with the ability to formulate their own understanding of the universe. Before science existed and we had a greater understanding of the universe and our relation to it, myth was the primary method thatShow MoreRelatedSoul City Television Essay1568 Words   |  7 PagesThe Soul City television series The aim of the essay is to discuss the Soul City television series, concerning it is entertainment function and how its behavioral and social perspective is geared towards shaping society and serve as an entertainment function (Yach, 1992). This is a South African television series that was started in the early nineties. 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