Nikki Sauer
Per. 2
10/24/08
Vocabulary
A MYTH is: a traditional story usually focusing on the deeds of gods or heroes, often in explanation of some natural phenomenon.

An example of a myth is the story of Demeter and Persephone is an example of how we got spring.

A HERO is: One who is idealized for superior qualities or deeds of any kind; often they are models of human behavior in their society; at the end of their hero journey they typically have a boon to share with humanity.

An example of a hero is Hercules; he is admired for his herculean strength.

A HERO JOURNEY is: the cyclical road of trials, battles and obstacles that the hero undertakes.

An example of a hero journey is how Hercules fights monsters for redemption.

UNIVERSIAL is: how the myth and/or characters apply to the world and every one in it.

An example of a universal archetype is how Hercules has a temper problem.

An ARCHTYPE is: the original model of myths and their characters.

An example of an archetype are the three types of heroes; Cultural: not real, creations, gods;
Trickster: half animal, half human; and Human: human characteristics

A CYCLICAL pattern is: a circular continuous pattern that is in constant rotation and returns to the beginning.

An example or a cyclical pattern is the story of Ra the sun god from Egyptian mythology.

DUALITY is: a state of twoness, a separation of two entities that are often opposites of one another.

An example of duality is the story of Ying and Yang from Chinese mythology.

CREATION is: the beginning of all the cyclical patterns in the universe.

An example of creation is the three typical images associated with creation, darkness/ nothingness, the egg, and the watery abyss.

LIFE FROM DEATH is: the ideas that death creates life, or that sometimes you have to sacrifice one for the lives of many.

An example of Life from Death is the story of Prometheus from Greek mythology; he gave up his freedom to bring us fire.

MATRIARCHAL is: a society that’s foundation is one of female power.

An example of a matriarchal society is the story of Demeter from Greek mythology; her needs as a mother are placed above those of the man Hades.

PATRIARCHAL is: a society that’s foundation is one of male dominance and power.

An example of a patriarchal society is the story of Beowulf from the Norse mythology.

A SACRAFICE is: someone or something that is given to the gods as a gift, often a living entity that had to be killed; often giving something up to help the common good.

An example of sacrifice is the story of King Arthur from European mythology; he gave up his life to save his people.