Have you ever wondered why someone would spend hours studying the myths of old? Have you ever asked how a knowledge of creatures that supposedly had a hundred arms could be useful? Have you ever thought to yourself that learning about myths is a waste of time as they were obviously written by ignorant people who lived long ago in an era devoid of modern knowledge?
In spite of these questions you may have asked yourself or others, I would suggest to you that mythology is valuable and should be studied.
A way to explain
Myths have been invented since the dawn of time by men who wished to explain the world around them. Upon experiencing a solar eclipse, for instance, they would have frantically yearned to explain such an amazing occurrence. Over time an amazing assortment of gods and goddesses were created to explain the seemingly supernatural aspects of life such as lightning, fire, earthquakes, seasons, the sun, and much more.
The modern day
As myths were originally intended to explain, they are still useful to this day to explain. In his short story “Cupid’s Arrow”, Rudyard Kipling uses tiny allusions to Greek mythology that the reader must decode. At the very end of the story, the reader will finally understand the amazing nature of the masterpiece. However, should the reader not possess an understanding of mythology, he will find the story to be rather bland. This can be seen in a great many of the most popular stories written. In order to understand fully the great literary classics, one must have at the very least a basic understanding of mythology.
From literature to business
Not only is mythology useful in understanding literature but also conducting business. One of my idols Donald J. Trump along with Robert T. Kiyosaki penned a book titled Midas Touch. This title doesn’t make a bit sense to you without an understanding of mythology. Midas was a king who was granted the power of turning anything he touched into gold. Have you heard the term “Achilles’ heel” when referencing a weakness? Achilles was a great hero who was invincible excepting his heel. Understanding the origin of the many expressions inspired by mythology will allow you to better communicate with the people who use them, business men and women giving presentations.
It is my hope that you would consider learning about the myths of old by taking a class dealing with it! I have only listed a few examples as to how an understanding of mythology is helpful, but I hope that they have shown you how a knowledge of the past can create for you a great future.
Would you ever consider studying mythology? Let us know in the comments below.
Photo: Jinx! / Flickr
I am a writer who is currently working on three different novels, two of which deal with relics, cardinals, conspiracies, and popes, while at the same time writing for others, helping them with articles and creating amazing plot outlines for their books.
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