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Neha Nidhi
In the nineteenth century, when the world learned more about history, the study of mythology began.
Before then, history, folklore, legends, and parables were all mixed together in one big basket. The first
historical research was done scientifically in the 19th century. Critical thinking and proof were necessary
for history. Archaeology, epigraphy, and material artefacts were given more importance. Texts were
given less weight. Moses, the life of Jesus Christ, and Noah’s Ark were all regarded as historical events
before this time. These were contested as there was no evidence for the existence of Noah’s Ark, Moses’
exodus, or the virgin birth of Christ with the development of history based on science. They were
categorized as mythology.
There are various ways myths are categorized by mythology students. Cosmology described how space
was envisioned. We discuss several layers of swarga as realm of abundance and numerous layers of
naraka as lands of scarcity in Jain mythology. After that came cosmogony, or the origin of the universe.
According to Christian mythology, God created the entire world out of nothing. According to Chinese
mythology, the mountains, oceans, and winds are all created from the body of the enormous, ancient
giant known as Pangu.
Numerous creatures that inhabited the universe were mentioned in myths. In Islamic mythology,
humans, angels, and djinns are all mentioned. Mahayana Buddhists claimed that chanting and prayer
could call out several Buddhas who were present in various Buddha-realms. Heroic characters that
accomplish incredible feats were created in myths. Greek mythology tells tales of Hercules and Theseus’
exploits, in which they vanquished monsters, rescued damsels in distress, and won the awe of the
Olympian gods.
The etiological narratives that provide explanations are illuminated by mythology. Women’s submissive
status in human society is, for instance, explained by the tale of Eve’s seduction in the Eden Garden.
Why burying cremation ash in the Ganga’s waters allowed for reincarnation is explained by the legend of
the river’s ascent from heaven.
Myths that created a political institution were known as legends. The legitimacy of a monarch is thus
established by tales of kings being granted swords by gods, like as Excalibur, which was given to King
Arthur. Muhammad’s reputation as a prophet was cemented when he rode Buraq into paradise.
Another significant topic in mythology is eschatology. It discusses how the world is going to end and
what will happen to us once we die. Hindu mythology discusses rebirth, whereas Christian mythology
discusses judgement day.
Mythopoesis is the studies of transformations in myths, symbols, and rituals. How stories from the
Mahabharata and Ramayana change across time and space, and how pagan gods became Christian
guardian angels. Mythography focuses on interpretations, ranging from the structural to the
comparative and psychoanalytical.
Myths play a crucial role in cultural studies because they illuminate how humans conceptualized the
world. We now recognise secular myths: concepts like justice, equality, and the nation-state are all
intended to influence human society. They aren’t organic. They are opinions rather than facts. Many
people avoid using the word “myth” and instead favour the terms “social constructions,” “imaginarium,”
and “ideology,” which make them sound less fantastical and give them credit for the influence they have
in society.
