In present times , is the Myth still worth to think about ? The Myth , as a symbol has been always present in the culture , but is still valuable ? I have reminded to myself about the power of the Myth just having read another blog , where the author mentioned how important for him was to find in life the way , which heroes of myths used to follow - http://tomandatticus.blogspot.com/
As I can recall , I started to be interested in myths when I was 10. I used to read , since that age , Greek Mythology and stories of the Old Testament . Later on , that was famous fantasy saga about Conan of Cimmeria , by R.E. Howard , however of course , that was only artificial mythology .
Well , who remembers this days about myths ? Old , good myths , seems to be have been replaced by urban myths . Urban myths and tales are nothing new actually , as cities themselves have long history . But nowadays urban myths are created by pop culture and Hollywood stories , like " Batman " , "Superman " and so on .However , recently more popular has become Fantasy movies , which have much common with old myths .Where the powers of devil are overcome by the power of Good . Like in " The Stars Wars " .
But indeed were the first myths created in order to illustrate that the Good is finally always on the top , and to show which side to choose in this dual world ?
I have looked to Wikipedia to check up the teory of myth by Joseph Cambell , reffered by the author of that blog I mentioned above . According to Cambell , the heroes of traditional myths were archetypes . Just in universal way indicate how, through lonely journey and fighting against bad world ,to reach initiation and wisdom . And that wisdom should be used after coming back. In early mythology there was no particular differentiation between the World of Dark and Light . In greek mythology all Gods acts either through good and bad deeds . The same in Celtic Mythology - I looked to book by Carl McColman " 366 Celt " - according to the author , in the stories of gods, goddes and heroes , " we can find an insight into the mystery and majesty of our own ".
I have reached to my shelf with books again and taken " The Mythology of Greeks and Romans " . In the Epilog , I coul read a short summary about antic myths . So I read, that mixing with mythology means to stand on the edge of abyss . Abyss of contradictions of life , contradictions , which are impossible to sort out .That's a tragedy of human's life . And in this dark side of Greek myths we can find a bit of consolation for ourselves . The heritage of Greek myths and culture is continued , over centuries , by latin culture . This antic heritage encourage to the patience and bravery without complaining , against incomprehensible and often horrifying world .
This seems to be very true , what Greek myths say to us . Even now , in the time of popular , plastic culture of western world , antic tragedy is still evoking . It's enough to remaind the succes of Hollywood production " 300 " . And many more stories based on greek myths .
But greek mythology is ,as the matter of fact , the part of tradition , in which myths played significanr role in human culture . All over the world myths and fairy tales were helpful to face the danger and chaos of the world . And prepare to initiations . According to American poet and writer , Robert Bly , the lack of old myths and stories , being transmitted from generation to generation , unable the process of initiation . Initiation of young men in modern society .
So the secret , which myths hold , is simple . People however , usually look for the secret which would allow them to gain the power , richness , means for getting material things and admiration .
Some people , who I know , would be disgusted at such an idea as seeking for wisdom in myths or just notice the magic of life . Actually , this isn't about reading myths, but looking into ourselves . Cynicism and calculation seems to be the only way in life sometimes . Am I wrong to see the things like that ?
No comments:
Post a Comment