Name: Danny Fe B.

Masinadiong Section: EDE2B

Subject Code: EL 112 Class Schedule: MWF, 11:00 AM – 12:00
NN

Myth’s Structure: Similarities Across Pantheons

Myths are ancient stories that people from different cultures have been telling
for thousands of years. These stories are like the blueprints of our imagination,
helping us understand the world and our place in it. Interestingly, if we look closely,
we can find striking similarities in the structure of myths across various pantheons,
which are collections of gods and goddesses from different cultures. In this essay, I
will explore the common structure found in myths from different pantheons, shedding
light on the universal themes and elements that connect these diverse narratives.
A common thread among many pantheons is the presence of creation myths.
These myths explain how the world, and sometimes the universe, came into
existence. For example, in Greek mythology, there’s the story of Chaos, from which
everything else emerged. Similarly, in Hindu mythology, there’s the tale of Brahma,
the creator of the universe. These stories may have different characters, but they all
attempt to answer the same fundamental question: “How did everything begin?”
Moreover, gods, goddesses, and other supernatural beings play essential roles
in myths across pantheons. These divine entities represent various aspects of the
human experience, such as love, wisdom, war, and nature. While their names and
appearances differ, the idea of powerful beings guiding our lives and the world is a
common theme. In Norse mythology, there are gods like Odin and Thor, while in
Egyptian mythology, there are gods like Ra and Isis. These gods serve as both
protectors and sources of inspiration.
A further universal theme in myths is the hero’s journey. Heroes often start as
ordinary individuals, facing challenges and adventures, and eventually, they grow
and transform into exceptional beings. Think of Hercules in Greek mythology or the
Monkey King in Chinese mythology. They all go through trials, gain special powers,
and return as heroes, showing us that we too can overcome difficulties and become
better versions of ourselves.
Conflict among gods or between gods and mortals is a recurrent theme in
myths. These conflicts often represent the struggle between opposing forces, such
as good versus evil or chaos versus order. In Norse mythology, the gods are
destined to face their adversaries, the giants, in a final battle known as Ragnarök.
Similarly, in Egyptian mythology, the god Horus battles the evil god Set to avenge his
father Osiris.
Transformation and symbolic elements are also frequently woven into myths.
The Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone, explaining the changing seasons,
symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and death. Similarly, Native American myths
often use animal symbolism to represent different qualities and aspects of life.
Furthermore, beyond their storytelling function, myths often convey moral
lessons or societal values. They teach us about what is considered right or wrong,
just or unjust. The story of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods to benefit
humanity in Greek mythology, emphasizes the importance of knowledge and
sacrifice. Similarly, in Chinese mythology, the story of Houyi and the Ten Suns
teaches the value of moderation and balance in nature.
In conclusion, in the tapestry of human cultures, myths serve as both a
reflection of our shared human experience and a celebration of our diverse identities.
While the details and characters may vary from one pantheon to another, the
underlying structure of myths reveals the common threads that connect us all. These
stories of creation, gods, heroes journey, conflict, transformation and symbols, and
morals resonate with us because they touch on the fundamental aspects of the
human condition. Myths are not merely tales of the past; they are timeless narratives
that continue to inspire and guide us, transcending cultural boundaries and
reminding us of our shared humanity.