Assignment for Friday, 09.06.19

Dear Mythologists,

For Friday, September 6, please do the following.

(1) Read the essay by Carolina Lopez-Ruiz on Greek and Near Eastern creation stories (an introduction to these stories in a larger textbook on ancient Mediterranean myth). This brief piece will

• present and define some useful mythological terms (including "cosmogony," "anthropomorphic," and "pantheon");
• pave the way for creating the Greek universe — our first task when Unit 1 begins next week; and
• give you a framework for completing part (2) of this assignment.

Please come to class prepared to discuss this reading. I'll bring printed copies to class.

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(2) Compose and bring to class — two printed copies, please, double-spaced, one-inch margins, and with your name at the top  — a working definition of the word "myth."

DO base your definition on the Lopez-Ruiz reading and on your impressions from the D'Aulaires' reading from this summer. DO NOT consult any other reference works (dictionaries, Wikipedia, the Internet at large).

Make sure your definition covers the following:

• WHAT: The subject matter of myth: the kinds of characters and situations.
• WHY: The social function(s) or cultural significance of myth.
• HOW: The construction of myth: the form(at)s it takes, its motifs, and the ways in which it is presented.

Aim for at least a paragraph (6–8 full sentences) of polished prose. DON'T try to formulate a definition that accounts for every myth. DO generalize as appropriate.

We'll use your definitions to spark some discussion and/or debate.

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Please let me know if you have any questions.

DC