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Hindu Mythology, 2004.
An overview of Hindu mythology.
1,738 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 10 sources, MLA, £ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the age-old Hindu mythology. The paper contends that even today Hinduism mythology continues to be an integral part of the ever-changing global culture and remains as important as the Bible or the Koran. The paper examines the universal and cosmic concepts of Hindu mythology, which encompass so many world beliefs, that continue to make this Eastern tradition so vital thousands of years after it first came about.
From the Paper
"Hindu mythology contains many different stories about these major as well as the minor gods. Nearly all stories are based on fundamentally similar concepts and ideas. These include the triads, as noted previously, in addition to 1) Performing a Penance: Humans and demi-gods or asuras are usually in a state of deep penance and meditation to reach the aura of a particular god. In this condition, they are separated from the world and deprived of any pleasures; 2) Granting of a Boon or generosity: In many situations of penance, Lord Brahma, Vishnu or Siva frequently appear and grant a wish of power to the person. The desire may be protection against a specific type of creature or a limited form of immortality. There are many different wishes found in the world of Indian mythology. 3) The curse or Schaap, where either a god or a seer/rishi is angered and puts a curse on a person affected; 4) Relief from Curse: In such situations, there are also some antidotes to the curse that may consist of some specific instance occurring in the future life; 7) Deva-Asura war: Hindu mythological tales are filled with instances of war between the asuras and devataas/angels because asuras are usually forceful and strong-headed and want to conquer the territories occupied by the devadaas (Knapp 53)."
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The Importance of Mythology, 2004.
An analysis of the study of mythology.
2,635 words (approx. 10.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the importance of studying mythology. A definition of mythology is presented. The ancient and modern aspects are outlined in this paper. The paper describes the importance of mythology as a teaching tool. The cultural and religious facets are also explored.
Outline
Defining Mythology
The Lessons of Mythology
Mythology as a Cultural Paradigm
Mythology as a Human Paradigm
Mythology and Conflict
Mythology as Religion
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The study of mythology is important for both individualistic and collective reasons. On an individual level, mythology could teach moral or human truths, whereas on a collective level mythology could be used to keep people in touch with their origins. Mythological stories could then be used to teach children values such as hard work, diligence and obedience. Role models are created through mythological figures. Also, the mythology of different cultures can serve to teach the student about the values of that culture. This is particularly important in the world today, since advancing technology and phenomena such as globalization has brought foreign cultures much more frequently in touch with each other than was previously the case. It is therefore important to study mythology for the values that it can teach both children and adults, and also for understanding the heritage inherent in these stories."
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Mythology, 2004.
A discussion of mythology, focusing on the similarities between different types of mythology.
1,380 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the similarities between Greek and Roman mythology and Native American mythology. The elements of heroism and romance are discussed. The paper illustrates how today's romance novels and movies are simply a furthering of old mythical tales, and our culture feeds on these stories just as classical Romans and Greeks fed on their own persuasive and pervasive myths.
From the Paper
"The classical myths of Greece and Rome have much in common with medieval myths, because ultimately, all myths have elements in common. The Greek and Roman myths dwell most often on heroes, Gods, and Goddesses. Their characters are larger than life ? someone the reader can look up to. Medieval myths also heavily rely on heroes who commit heroic deeds, such as Charlemagne and King Arthur. One difference is many of the heroes in medieval myths were real people, while most of the heroes in Greek and Roman myth were just that ? myths. Medieval myths took mythology one step further, because they often commemorated and idealized the deeds of real people, and this was quite a step away from classical mythology."
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Greco-Roman Mythology and Christianity, 2004.
An examination of the impact and influence of Greco-Roman mythology on early Christianity.
3,019 words (approx. 12.1 pages), 13 sources, MLA, £ 63.95
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Abstract
Greco-Roman mythology has quite obviously influenced Christianity. These parallel myths are made evident throughout the Bible and are a testament to the ability of two cultures to meld their beliefs.This paper looks at the mythology's influence on Christianity and compares old Greco-Roman gods to the saints used in Christianity. It also compares old stories and myths from Greco-Roman mythology that were transformed and rewritten in the Bible.
Introduction
Influence of Greco-Roman Mythology on Christianity
Comparison of Saints, Stories and Myths
Bible Stories compared to Greek Myths
Discussion and Conclusion
From the Paper
"The book, Hellenism and Christianity asserts that Christianity and Greco-Roman sentiment meshed and that this melding is evident from the very first Christian writings to the church of Thessalonica during the reign of Claudius. (Bevan and Allen 1921) The authors contend that the Christian writing takes the ?old body of ideas, emotions, and desires which made up the mentality of the Greco-Roman world.? (Bevan and Allen 1921) Ultimately, the authors argue, Christianity is nothing more than the fusion of the Greco-Roman world and a Christ based religion."
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Mythology in ?Fire?, 2003.
An analysis of the mythological themes in Deepa Mehta's film, "Fire".
2,059 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 8 sources, MLA, £ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how, often, in traditional societies, the mythology comes to reflect the culture and works to establish certain social conventions. It examines how the attempt to raise awareness of injustice through the reinterpretation of mythology is shown in Deepa Mehta?s film. "Fire", in which Mehta attempts to parallel her alternative storyline to traditional Hindu myths in order to demonstrate the purity of the love between the two, female, main characters in a male-dominant society that will not accept their love. It shows how Mehta uses the traditional Hindu myths that are embedded in Indian culture to teach the societal values that she believes to be true, even if these ideals are not the traditionally accepted values of modern culture.
From the Paper
"In the film, the protagonist Radha is the barren wife of Ashok, who because of his wife?s inability to have children, practices celibacy in training to become a swami. Radha represents the "traditional" Indian woman, duty bound and disregarding of her individuality in favor of attending to the needs of the family. She runs the family take-out business and is also the primary caregiver to Ashok?s mother, Bhiji, who is mute and paralyzed from a stroke. The other protagonist, Sita is the newest member of the household, as the wife through an arranged marriage to Jatin, Ashok?s younger brother. Sita quickly becomes dissatisfied with Jatin, as it becomes apparent that he is still in love with his Chinese-Indian girlfriend and that he will not give up the affair."
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Mythology, 2008.
An examination of areas of mythology related to Atonism, Zarathustrism and Judaism.
1,302 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses mythology, particularly the major areas of mythology that have influenced the development of the collective mythological heritage - the concepts of Atonism, Zarathustrism and Judaism. The paper describes examples from these areas of mythology to understand their role in explaining or interpreting natural events as they pertain to nature, the universe and humanity in general.
From the Paper
"Historically, many scholars view this hymn as one of the earliest known examples of monotheistic mythology. In fact, the Pharaoh's thoughts were eventually found heretical by his own people and were quickly reverted to the more traditional polytheism of Egyptian mythology. However, this fact of both monotheism and atonement found in this hymn serve as an example of how mythology is passed on, as many scholoars argue that this hymn is an indication that Egyptians were the original source of Judaism and thus, the Judeo-Christian tradition."
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Greek Mythology, 2005.
This paper examines mythology of the ancient Greeks and its relationship to their culture.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, £ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper explores how mythology of the ancient Greeks expressed their views of themselves and of the world around them on a number of levels. The paper explains that mythology served as a quasi-historical background to each separate city-state and reinforced their sense of pride and of identity. The paper adds that it also expressed the national character and imparted heroic qualities to their perseverance, courage and enterprise. The paper describes how mythology offered opportunities for them to further their love of beauty and their desire for philosophical inquiry.
From the Paper
"In exploring the myths of the Greek civilization, one can apprehend the interconnectedness of the Greek character and culture with their stories of the fabulous past. On one level, myths attempt to preserve the history of a people, and tend to reflect historical events, albeit in a rather stylized and fictionalized format. On another level, myths express the views and self-image of a people, by personifying elements of the national character at a heroic level. On yet another level, myths offer a divine explanation for natural, but puzzling, occurrences, as a particular nation chooses to understand them. The early Greeks were composed of small, family-centered tribes living in hamlets. Pirates from land and especially from sea were a constant danger."
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Love in Mythology, 2004.
An analysis of the ideals of love as they appear in mythology.
1,357 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper contends that, within almost every literary genre, there are myths about love that fuel ideals that are rarely, if ever, realized. There is no place where this is more true than in the stories of mythology. The perpetual love myths that exist in classical mythology demonstrate ideals confronted even today by individuals searching for love. The ideals of love explored in this paper include love at first sight, the myth of 'one true love,' and the human phenomenon of overly idealizing unobtainable love.
From the Paper
"Of course, in today?s secular world most rational people would discredit a flying boy and his arrows because it?s just not possible, but they find other ways to believe in the existence of the power he was said to possess. Instead we choose to interpret Cupid?s powers as acts of fate. Another description of love at first sight is ?the blissful melting of souls that would somehow? make their existence meaningful? (White 45). The relationships that are results of the acts of fate that create the ideals of love at first sight follow that, the idea of a love connection, when its destined happens instantaneously. There are countless modern examples of the perpetuation of the phenomena of love at first sight, movies, books even television programs that feed this idea. The myths of love at first sight often leave normal every day people with feelings of having been left behind or forgotten by fate, possibly feeling as if they don?t deserve to have ?That sort of love.? Furthermore, considering Cupids? role in this love myth, to be literally struck by an arrow is painful, but being struck by Cupid?s love arrow does not hurt, after all it is the legendary reason for love a first sight."
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World Mythology, 2007.
An analysis of the ancient Egyptians' concept of the after-life, as described by world mythology.
1,184 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the mysterious and captivating aspect of world mythology that involves the numerous theories surrounding the beliefs that an individual holds regarding what occurs after death. Specifically, it analyzes and interprets the aspect of world mythology regarding the ancient Egyptians' concept of the after-life. The paper concludes with a brief explanation of the writer's personal beliefs on this topic.
From the Paper
"World mythology, religion and cultural beliefs will always remain an enticing mystery, as people search and yearn for something to believe in. Death and what occurs afterwards is one of the most fascinating aspects of any religion. The beliefs of the ancient Egyptians differ from many present-day theories of what occurs after death. Most people currently believe in some form of "heaven" or "hell," but very few actually spend their lives preparing for the after-life of their "leaders" or family members as the Egyptians did. I do not fully believe in the ancient Egyptians' concept of the after-life because my beliefs are comparable to those of the Roman Catholics, for that is the way that I was raised when I was a child. However, I do believe in a "heaven" and a "hell," ideas that originated with Greek philosophers who strongly influenced the early apostate Christian thinkers."
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Greek Mythology, 2008.
This paper looks at Greek mythology and discusses the Greek system of gods and goddesses.
2,093 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 46.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer first explains that Greek mythology is a collection of stories by ancient Greeks about their gods and heroes. The writer notes that these stories include myths of the origin of the world, an attempt to understand and interpret the universe and the origin of the world in human terms. Many of these stories have been passed down from ancient times and in more than one version. The writer discusses that ancient beliefs eventually mixed with legends from Greek kingdoms and city-states and myths from other tribes. Together, they evolved into this body of stories that were accepted by most Greeks. These myths were transmitted from generation to generation for hundreds of years in the form of spoken tales. It was not until the Classic Period that these stories were put down in written form. The writer looks at the Greek system of gods and goddesses and concludes that traditional literary mythology reflected an increasing dissociation from actual religious practice.
From the Paper
"The leader was Zeus, the god of the sky, the weather, thunder, lightning, and the father of all mortals and immortals. His wife and sister was Hera. Poseidon, his brother, was god of the seas and shaker of the earth or earthquakes. Athena was the goddess of war, of crafts and of wisdom, the wisest of the gods and goddesses. Apollo was the god of light and order, of both plague and healing who foretold the will of Zeus, his father. His twin sister, Artemis, was goddess of childbirth and all wild animals. Aphrodite, a daughter of Uranus, was the goddess of erotic love. Hermes was the guide of souls in the underworld and the god of sleep and dreams. Demeter, the symbol of Gaia, was goddess of the earth and vegetation. His mother Persephone was a sister of Zeus. Dionysus was th god of madness, frenzy, of wine and the theater. Hephaestus was the god of fire and of the crafts. And Ares was the god of war and the only son of Zeus and Hera. Hades was not among the 12, but he was the ruler of the underworld."
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Mythology: The Lost Discipline, 2004.
An exploration of the impact that mythology has had on our everyday lives.
2,292 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper highlights the under-appreciated influence that mythology has had and continues to have in our everyday lives. It covers the importance that myth had to our ancestors and discusses some of the most universal myths and the role they play in our religions and values today.
From the Paper
"Society has a tendency to disregard the ideas of past generations with unabashed contempt. Today there is little credence paid to the ideas of our intellectual forbearers. The death of our mythology is as evident an example as required to validate that point. Once mythology existed in everyday life, now it is viewed with a sort of embarrassment that members of our species, no matter how archaic, ever held such preposterous stories in high regard. Mythology is the creation of the people and culture which bears it and it no surprise that we dismiss ancient mythology without second thought when it is considered that modern mankind has no mythology. This is a most disturbing problem. "
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Mortality and Mythology, 2002.
A discussion of the themes of social and mortal suffering and mythology in ?Prometheus? by Lord Byron and ?Leda and the Swan? by W. B. Yeats.
1,177 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how poetry is a good example of how the effective and powerful portrayal of mythology, especially in Lord Byron and W. B. Yeats? literary works. It looks at how the theme of mortality is an important issue often discussed in works of poetry depicting myths and it characters. It shows how the direct comparison between gods and man illustrates the ability of man to overcome power and display bravery despite his shortcomings and the gods? advantage for being powerful and possessing extraordinary skills. It analyzes the use of the theme of mortality in the two poets? works, namely ?Prometheus? by Lord Byron, based on the myth of Prometheus, who had experienced sufferings in the hands of the great god Zeus and ?Leda and the Swan? by W. B. Yeats which reflects the stagnation and suffering of humanity, as expressed by the ?harassment? and violation Leda experiences under the swan?s (Zeus) control.
From the Paper
"Similarly, Lord Byron?s ?Prometheus? is an example of Man?s mortality and conflict with the immortal gods. Mortality is usually perceived as weakness, while immortality is associated with power, since being an immortal denies you the gift of Death, which most people fear and do not want to happen. Mortality is portrayed in Byron?s poem through Prometheus? suffering, which is evoked in the opening lines of the poem: ?TITAN! to whose immortal eyes/ The sufferings of mortality/ Seen in their sad reality?? By using the word mortality in rhyme with ?sad reality,? Byron illustrates how mortality is a disadvantageous trait of man if pitted against the powers and immortality of gods, who can never lose because they can live forever. Prometheus? suffering can be likened to Napoleon Bonaparte who has to experience suffering and death first before the society realized his fight for freedom of all people. "
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Creation Mythology, 2004.
An analysis of the mythology of the origin of the universe.
1,660 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the creation mythology evident in the book of Genesis and compares it to one of the oldest Japanese myths about creation from "Genji Shibukawa: Tales from the Kojiki compiled in 712 CE" by O No Yasumaro. The paper draws on the similarities between the two stories of the creation of the universe.
From the Paper
"A culture's belief about the beginning of the world is called a creation myth, story or tale. An explanation of the origin of the universe is known as a cosmogony. It is difficult to find any people throughout the world who do not have some explanation for the source of life. One of the most interesting aspects of creation mythology is the similarities that exist among descriptions, whether they are from the Judeo/Christian Bible or from African, Native American, South American, Greek, Japanese or Australian cultures. Common themes are present in both the West and East. From the earliest humans, who painted on the walls of their cave, there has been a need to search for answers and explain the unknown."
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Greek Mythology: Women in Greek Life, 2002.
Examining the way in which women were depicted in classic Greek mythology.
1,025 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 25.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces, discuss and analyzes the topic of Greek mythology. Specifically, it contains an analysis of the role of women in Greek life as depicted in literature. It discusses how women underwent a tremendous change between the time of Homer and that of Aristophanes four hundred years later, as five different plays clearly illustrate. Early Greek women were one-dimensional and needy, while four hundred years later they were feminists complaining about their sex lives.
From the Paper
"Women in Greek life are portrayed in a wide variety of ways, and they did indeed change between Homer's type and Aristophanes' time. Homer often portrays women as scheming to keep men from performing their duty, such as how Calypso holds Ulysses on her island in "The Odyssey," attempting to keep her with him rather than allow him to return to his home and family. "This daughter of Atlas has got hold of poor unhappy Ulysses, and keeps trying by every kind of blandishment to make him forget his home, so that he is tired of life, and thinks of nothing but how he may once more see the smoke of his own chimneys" (Odyssey, Book I). In the Iliad, Homer continues to portray women as one-dimensional beings without feelings when he has Chryseis, the daughter of Chryses given as a war prize to Agamemnon as his share of the looting and subsequently ransomed by her father."
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