REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN
PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY
LINGAYEN CAMPUS

DISCUSSION PAPER

OVERVIEW OF MYTHOLOGY AND FOLKLORE

and
THE PANTHEON OF GODS AND GODDESSES IN MOUNT OLYMPUS

Mythology and Folklore

(EL 104)

Submitted By:
Joanna Marie Mina Bacia
II-BSE ENGLISH B

Submitted To:
Dr. Presley V. De Vera
Instructor
 Contents

I: Overview of Mythology and Folklore

A. Definition of mythology and folklore
B. Functions of myths and folklore
II: Stories of Creation (Greek and Roman)
A. The Pantheon of Gods and Goddesses in Mount Olympus
III. Literary Criticism
IV. References
I. OVERVIEW OF MYTHOLOGY AND FOLKLORE

Definition of Mythology and Folklore

Mythology
Mythology is from the compound of the Greek words mythos, which means a word or story, and
logos, which means speech.

Myths are certain kinds of stories. They are part of every culture in the world. They speak or try
to explain the world's creation and other natural phenomena, such as where people came from
and how their civilization developed, and why things happen as they do. Because myths began
with religious origins—as stories narrated to present logical justifications to people [in a specific
culture] to explain natural or cosmic events. They connect the world of humans and those
believed to be supernatural beings such as spirits or gods. They define cultures and codify their
values—they try to justify human dispositions with the actions and attributes of gods in a
primordial past.

In a nutshell, they justify why such things exist and happen. It focuses on supernatural
gods/goddesses, unlike legends that focus on a cultural hero.

Some myths have factual origins; some are fictitious and implausible with no concrete and
objective basis, which is why it has become a synonym for falsehood or, at best, misconception.

Mythology, on the other hand, is a compilation of interconnected myths or stories to explain the
world consistent with people’s experience of the world in which they live. It is the study and
interpretation of religious stories or fables of a culture known as myths that deal with various
aspects of the human condition.

An example of mythology is Greek mythology, which is the collection of stories of gods,

goddesses, heroes, and rituals of ancient Greeks.
In the Philippines, before encountering Christianity, Filipino people also believed in deities,
gods, and goddesses. The pre-Hispanic belief system of Filipinos also consisted of a pantheon of
gods such as Bathala, who created earth and man and was superior to these other gods and
spirits; Bakunawa, a sea serpent deity of Bicolano and Visayan origin.

Folklore
Folklore is a combination of the word folk, which means a particular kind, class, or group of
people, and lore, which means knowledge and stories. Folklore is a collective term that refers to
cultural expressions of the traditions, customs, beliefs, and narratives passed from one generation
to the next within a community by word of mouth or by just speaking without being written
down, unlike myths. It is described as the cultural DNA of a specific group of people. Folklore
studies began in the early 19th century. According to (Gaur, et al., 2017), the first folklorists
concentrated exclusively upon rural peasants, preferably uneducated, and a few other groups
relatively untouched by modern ways. Folklorists are those who study folklore as an academic
subject.

Folklore includes legends, folktales, songs, nursery rhymes, riddles, superstitions, proverbs,
customs, and forms of dance and drama performed at traditional celebrations. Some examples of
folklore in the shape of folktales in the Philippines are the monkey and the turtle, the story of
piña, the necklace, and the comb, Biag ni Lam Ang, and many more.

Sometimes mythology and folklore are frequently utilized interchangeably, and some get
confused with their differences. But mythology refers to something vaster in scale and scope,
often covering a wide geographical range and thousands of years. However, folklore is usually
smaller in scale. Mythology speaks about how the world's creation, the gods and goddesses.
Meanwhile, folklore talks about the local surroundings or specific places and regions. Such as an
explanation for the existence of a forest, the formation of fruits, or the legends of something.

Mythology and folklore involve fictional stories and characters—but the people in myths are
often divine or immortal beings who fight fantastical monsters and are involved in events that
shape the very nature of the world. Meanwhile, the adventures and deeds performed by the
characters in folklores are also frequently smaller in scales, such as a battle that gives a local
mountain its name or types of local fantastical creatures.

Functions of Myths and Folklore

Myths
In ancient times when there were still no scientific explanations and foundation behind natural
phenomena such as why there is rain, why there is a sun, typhoons, and drought, the question
behind human existence still could not be answered. Humans tried to find explanations and
justification behind everything, which is why myths were born. They offer a sense of comfort for
the circumstances humans cannot understand. For example, death and sickness, or even
misfortunes, because it is deranging if there are no explanations for everything.

Myths also create rules to follow, the taboos, to maintain social order through reinforcing moral
order and validate a sociological system or community standards of what is right and wrong; and
what is good and evil.

Joseph Campbell, a mythologist, stated that there are four functions that all mythological
structures serve. And these are the following:

First is the Mystical Function, which relates to one’s sense of fear and wonders about the world;
to arouse in the individual a sense of gratefulness and affirmative wonder about the mystery of
existence. And the human connection with the undefinable higher order of the cosmos, which
humans may call God or the gods – that which is unexplainable. Myths help humans formulate
and have an image of the universe because humans live in this vast and mysterious universe. So,
before having a scientific explanation about everything, before religion, humans needed to create
something to feed their mystical needs and their questions about the universe, and that is where
humans mythologically lash out. Myths help humans to make sense of the nothingness from
which they come.
Second is the Cosmological Function—where myths gave ancient humans a way to make sense
of their world. It explained how humans exist and how all things function—they embody
fundamental concepts and truths about the nature of the universe. They present an image of the
universe that will maintain and stimulate this experience of awe and demonstrate everything that
comes into contact with the universe around humans.

The third is the Sociological Function; as mentioned, mythology plays a vital role in
establishing society’s rules and norms—right and wrong, the acceptable and not in the eyes of
the deities humans believed in. Myths do more than explain things. They begin to give a clear
structure to the community by reinforcing moral order and validating the community’s standards
as true and correct. They bind people through establishing a moral code, such rules that humans
see as ordained by God or the gods. For example, the ten commandments, which Christians
consider to have been given by God— who created the world, to Moses— the leader of the
chosen people (the Hebrews) during a meeting between them on Mount Sinai. These
commandments are fundamental rules for living with others, and through this sociological
function of myth, a community structure and its hierarchy have been outlined.

Lastly, the Pedagogical Function, According to Joseph Campbell, is the most significant among
the other functions, for it is here that the individual comprehends the preceding three functions of
myth and applies them to their own life. This realization establishes a personal relationship
between the human being, the collective community, the world, and the universe. Myth helped
men develop meaning — to determine the meaning and reason of existence. These are the myths
that teach shape, teach, and guide us through the course of human life. They are stories of others
who have gone through similar challenges and have learned from them. They are no longer
simple stories that explain phenomena but have a deeper meaning regarding the very nature of
the universe and the mystery of life.

Folklore
Folklores, such as folktales, fairy tales, fables, and trickster tales, are being used to teach children
or humans morals or lessons—in school or at home. They present valuable information and
morals in a more straightforward way for typical people to understand. It is one of the best
mediums to pass on living culture or traditions to future generations. Folklore functions to pass
on the information and wisdom of human experience between generations. They also teach the
history of a people, its cultural norms, diligence, respect, perseverance, and other human needed
qualities. Dangers and how to avoid them.

Along with the lesson it can provide, folklores also provide fun or excitement. Adam Miller, a
folklorist, said that the telling of legends could act as an “icebreaker” to let outsiders into the
group or bring the group closer together.

An example of this is the Alamat in the Philippines or legends. These legends give morals about
having good manners and behaviors towards other people. Such as the Alamat ng Pinya or the
legend of pineapple—where this story teaches young people or children to become obedient to
their parents.

In addition, Adam Miller suggests that folklore validates specific aspects of culture and justifies
its rituals and institutions. There is the moral animal tale, myth, or legend to validate doubted
patterns or warn of subsequent consequences if necessary when they violate accepted practices
or taboos. Folklore also provides rationalizations when institutions and conventions are
challenged. It also serves as group cohesion and group feeling. Alan Dundes, also a folklorist,
terms this as maintaining conformity. Dundes’ concept emphasizes how folklore serves as a
controlling factor to express the social approval of those who follow.
II. STORIES OF CREATION

The Pantheon of Gods and Goddesses in Mount Olympus

Greece is a country known for being one of the richest when it comes to mythology. They have
vast and fascinating myths about gods and goddesses, heroes, and monsters— and because of
how rich and influential the stories are, they still survive and are the subject of academic study in
today's century.

In Ancient Greece, people worshipped thousands of gods and goddesses each of them had a
specific role. However, among the Greek pantheon of gods, the most important were the twelve
Olympians, and these gods and goddesses or deities—are believed to have lived on Mount
Olympus— the highest peak in Greece. The abode of the gods and the site of the throne of Zeus.

The Gods and Goddesses who are believed to have lived on Mount Olympus are the following:

Zeus – or his Roman equivalent, Jupiter, was the King of Olympus and the supreme deity. He
was also the god of the sky and earth, thunder and lightning, and law and order. Zeus married
Hera but had many affairs with other goddesses and even mortals. He supervised the weather,
provided signs and omens, and generally administered justice, ensuring peace among the gods
and mortals.

Hera, or his Roman equivalent, Juno, was the queen goddess of Olympus and goddess of
marriage, fertility, and childbirth. She was both sister and wife to Zeus.

Poseidon – or Neptune – was one of the most powerful Gods. He is best known as the Greek sea
god, but he was also the god of horses and earthquakes. However, he did not live on Mount
Olympus but at the bottom of the sea. And was in control of the water and provided protection
for seafarers and sailors. While his brothers Zeus and Hades controlled the skies and the afterlife,
respectively.
Ares or Mars in Roman mythology was the god of bloodlust, the god of war. You can recognize
Ares by armor and weapon—usually, a spear and a shield. He was said to be violent and full of
physical aggression. And he was Aphrodite's lover; they had a son named Eros.

Aphrodite – or Venus- was the goddess of beauty, sex, and love. Her symbols are doves, roses,
and myrtles. Zeus ordered Aphrodite to marry Hephaestus—the god of fire. But she had
numerous affairs, she had a son with Ares, the god of war, and they named him Eros, who
became famous for shooting arrows at people to make them fall in love.

Athena— and Minerva, her Roman equivalent – the goddess of reason, war, crafts, and wisdom,
was skilled in war; and known to be both clever and courageous. She helped several of her
heroes, including Odysseus and Hercules, in combat. She was born from the forehead of her
father Zeus and was often cited— as his favorite child.

Demeter—and her Roman counterpart Ceres – was the goddess of agriculture and the harvest.
She is often seen holding crops like wheat and barley or a cornucopia of food. Demeter also
headed over the fertility of the earth and the natural cycle of life and death. She was the mother
to Persephone—who was kidnaped by the underworld god Hades to be his bride.

Dionysus is also known as Bacchus in ancient Roman religion, the youngest of the Olympian
gods and son of Zeus and the mortal woman Semele. In some versions, Hestia is counted as the
twelfth Olympian instead of Dionysus. He was the god of wine, vines, fertility, merriment, and
festivity. Being the black sheep of Mt. Olympus, he was perhaps the most colorful of the
Olympian Gods.

Hermes, known as Mercury in ancient Roman religion, is the messenger of the gods and was the
god of trade, wealth, luck, fertility, animal husbandry, sleep, language, thieves, and travel. And
was one of the cleverest and most mischievous of the Olympian gods. He could cross quickly
between divine and mortal worlds with his winged sandals and was in charge of transporting
souls to the underworld. He was also the patron god of merchants, shepherds, and thieves.
Apollo (also Apollo in Roman mythology) is the twin brother of Artemis. He was among the
most significant of the gods—the epitome of youth and beauty, source of life and healing, patron
of the arts, and as bright and powerful as the sun itself, Apollo was the most loved of all the
gods. Apollo has many associations, including the sun, music, archery, prophecy, and healing.

Hephaistos – or Vulcan - Aphrodite's husband was Hephaistos, was the god of fire, metallurgy,
and crafts, and was a master blacksmith and craftsman to the gods. He made weapons and tools
for the gods and select mortals – like Hermes' helmet and winged sandals, Achilles' armor, and
Aeneas' shield.

Artemis – or Diana – was the fleet-footed goddess of moon and hunting; she was both huntress
and protectress of the living world. Artemis is also often portrayed as the goddess of marriage
and the protector of women in childbirth. She was an excellent hunter but had a quick temper.

Sometimes, instead of Dionysus, in some versions, Hestia was included because she was one of
the main deities and an Olympian—but she gave up her place to the god Dionysus. She was the
most gentle and oldest goddess. She is a sister of Zeus. And was the goddess of the home and
family and was responsible for ensuring that all the fire hearths on Mount Olympus kept burning,
which was considered a vital job as the fire hearth was the focus of the family.

In addition, Hades is not included in the 12 Olympians—because he lived and ruled the
underworld—the opposite of Olympus. Hades is the god of the underworld and is considered the
giver of wealth in ancient Greek religion.
Literary Criticism
Greek Mythology is one of the richest and vastest collections of Myths in history—written by the
Greek poets' Homer and Hesiod dating back more than 2,700 years ago—and yet, even after
centuries, it is still being studied and the subject of literary academia. Because of how it
influenced political systems, shaped culture and tradition, and had extensive influence on the arts
and literature of Western civilization or even the whole world. Inside Greek mythology, the
myths are about the gods and goddesses, the monsters and titans, the heroes, and the rituals of the
ancient Greeks.

However, even if this was written 2,700 years ago, there are still metiers left to be fascinating
and captivate the readers' minds to dig the mythology their own. Even if hundreds or thousands
of poets, folklorists, mythologists, writers, journalists, and other professionals in academia laid
out their interpretations and explanations.

The whole Greek mythology, especially the stories of gods and goddesses, are intriguing and
captivating to read—because each of them has its point of view and stories to tell— and these
stories do not just entertain because there are morals that readers can learn from them that are as
relevant now as they were thousands of years ago. And it is wondrous how the poets connected
all of the myths— they are correlated with one another —that you would not want to miss a
story. Homer and Hesiod had deep creativity that their work did not only capture the ancient
people but even us in this 21st century. The way they wrote these stories are not plainly from
their time only—the unfolding of events, elements of their stories— they have timeless minds.

These myths show us the narratives of being human, disastrous events, fortune, and unexpected
events that change our lives. They deal with the basic facts of human life. They reveal life
morals, philosophies, and even warnings. And these are all stories written 2,700 years ago but
are still relevant to human life because the way these two poets wrote these are from the reality
of being a human written in a mythical and fabricated way.

I have read several Greek Mythology books, some are already edified, and some fiction-based
books, such as Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes of Edith Hamilton; The Greek
Myths of Robert Graves; and the Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series by Rick Riordan
which is a story of Greek mythology with modern-day characters and settings. And technically,
other parts and stories, are already noticeable and perceptible to be unrealistic and bizarre—like
how Cronus ate each of his children as they were born because he learned from Gaia and Uranus
that he was destined to be overcome by his children, but still, as mentioned—the storyline or the
plot is very captivating that even if you know it is already unrealistic, you would not stop—and
that makes Homer and Hesiod two of the great authors in their time and even in today's time.

Greek mythology has been the inspiration for a growing number of interesting books,
introducing readers to gods, goddesses, and mythological creatures who come to life in
entertaining fantasies, sinister romances, or instructional reads. And I think that is proof of how
historical these stories are because they ran for centuries and will still be a subject of academia
for the next few years.
REFERENCES

DEFINITION OF MYTHOLOGY AND FOLKLORE

Buxton, R. (2022, August 31). Introducing Mythology. https://www.britannica.com/topic/myth
Illinois University Library. (n.d.). Introducing Folklore. library.illinois.edu: https://www.library.
illinois.edu/sshel/special collections/folklore/definition/
Manabat, A. (2022, March 3). Difference Between Mythology and
Folklore.https://www.languagehumanities.org/what-is-the-difference-between-
mythology-and-folklore.htm
New World Encyclopedia. (2018, November 2).Mythology and
Folklore.https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?
title=Special:CiteThisPage&page=Mythology&id=1015646
Pollard, J. R. (2022, August 23). Britannica History. Greek Mythology.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Greek-mythology
Wiesen, G. (2022, September 20). languagehumanities.org.Difference Between Mythology and
Folklore. https://www.languagehumanities.org/what-is-the-difference-between-
mythology-and-folklore.htm

FUNCTIONS OF MYTHS AND FOLKLORE

Carthy, J. (n.d.). Yale-New Haven Teachers Intstitute. Four Functions of
Myth.teachersinstitute.yale.edu:
https://teachersinstitute.yale.edu/curriculum/units/1984/4/84.04.01/4
Drury, P. (2019, March 14). Joseph Campbell’s Four Functions of Myth.
https://patchdrury.medium.com/the-four-functions-of-myth-and-how-they-apply-to-
personal-branding-c890d5eea1f9
Gunner, J. (n.d.). Four Functions of Folklore. https://examples.yourdictionary.com/what-is-
folklore-meaning-types-and-examples.html
(n.d.). Functions of Myth and Mythology.
https://online.valenciacollege.edu/files/22775646/download?download_frd=1

THE PANTHEON OF GODS AND GODDESSES IN MOUNT OLYMPUS

Cartwright, M. (2019, September 10). 12-Olympian-Gods.
https://www.worldhistory.org/collection/58/the-12-olympian-gods/
Pallardy, R. (2019, October 2). 12-Greek Gods and Goddesses.
https://www.britannica.com/list/12-greek-gods-and-goddesses
The British Museum. (2021, May 7). Pantheon of Greek Gods and Goddesses.
https://www.britishmuseum.org/blog/gods-and-goddesses-greek-and-roman-pantheon