The Presence and Power of the Hero Theme in Cultural Myth. A Reflection of a Culture's Values?

Essay , 2015 , 11 Pages , Grade: 1

Cultural Studies - Basics and Definitions

In this study the author explores how myths can reveal a culture’s value system and what they believe an ideal member of their society would be like. Though there are many similarities between the hero myths from each culture, their differences are what will convey the unique attributes and beliefs of a specific culture. This research addresses issues of myth origins and the social interplay between myth and the individuals of a culture.

The hero myth has always played a major role in popular culture and has influenced thousands of stories that have been told and written in novels, movies, as well as comic books. The hero figure is so deeply embedded in the collective social conscience that it is hard to believe what a society would look like without it. Because of the profound impact the hero has on a culture, a researched study on its influence at the individual, societal and even global level yields an abundance of information that inform other areas of study such as psychology, religiosity, biology and many more.

Table of Contents

• The Presence and Power of the Hero Theme in Cultural Myth
• The Monomyth: A Common Thread in Hero Myths
• The Odyssey: A Hero's Journey Home
• The Epic of Gilgamesh: A Humanistic Perspective
• Beowulf: A Code of Conduct for Warriors
• Maui: A Selfless Fight Against Death
• David and Goliath: The Power of Faith

Objectives and Key Themes

This text explores the presence and power of the hero theme in cultural myths across various civilizations, examining how these stories reflect societal values, serve as moral guides, and inspire individuals. The text analyzes the common threads and unique variations in hero myths, highlighting the importance of cultural context and historical influences.

• The role of hero myths in shaping cultural values and beliefs.
• The common elements and variations in hero myths across different cultures.
• The impact of cultural context and historical influences on the development of hero myths.
• The use of hero myths as moral guides and sources of inspiration.
• The significance of hero myths in shaping societal norms and expectations.

Chapter Summaries

• The Presence and Power of the Hero Theme in Cultural Myth: This introductory chapter introduces the concept of the hero theme in cultural myths and its prevalence across various civilizations. It emphasizes the universality of the hero archetype and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries.
• The Monomyth: A Common Thread in Hero Myths: This chapter explores the concept of the monomyth, a storytelling formula proposed by Joseph Campbell, which outlines the stages of the hero's journey. It highlights the common elements of the hero's journey across different cultures, including the departure, initiation, and return stages.
• The Odyssey: A Hero's Journey Home: This chapter examines the Odyssey by Homer, a classic example of the hero's journey. It analyzes the epic journey of Odysseus, his trials and confrontations, and his eventual return home, highlighting the themes of military conquest and honor in ancient Greece.
• The Epic of Gilgamesh: A Humanistic Perspective: This chapter delves into the Epic of Gilgamesh, a Mesopotamian myth that explores the human condition. It examines the journey of Gilgamesh, his search for immortality, and his ultimate acceptance of mortality, emphasizing the humanistic themes of the poem.
• Beowulf: A Code of Conduct for Warriors: This chapter analyzes the Old English poem Beowulf, which depicts the heroic feats of the warrior Beowulf. It examines the importance of honor, courage, and strength in Germanic societies, highlighting the code of conduct personified by the hero.
• Maui: A Selfless Fight Against Death: This chapter explores the Polynesian legends of Maui, focusing on his attempt to attain immortality for mankind. It analyzes the selfless act of Maui, his valiant fight against death, and the reverence for such acts in Polynesian cultures.

Keywords

Hero myths, cultural values, societal norms, monomyth, hero's journey, cultural context, historical influences, military conquest, honor, humanistic themes, code of conduct, immortality, faith.

• Course: Mythology
• Grade: 1
• Author: Anthony Jaramillo (Author)
• Publication Year: 2015
• Pages: 11
• Catalog Number: V320647
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668201224
• ISBN (Book): 9783668201231
• Language: English
• Tags: mythology, hero, myth, old testament, religion, greek, odysseus, odyssey, motif, culture, sociology, analysis, reserch, joseph campbell, gilgamesh, beowulf, maui, legend, goliath, hebrew, christianity