Discussion 1

How does mythology continue to have an impact on modern society? Do myths continue to have value and provide moral lessons? Discuss why or why not using examples. In what ways do myths continue to influence modern popular culture? Do these myths plays the same role in life today that they did in ancient times? Give examples. 

Discussion 2

Consider the creation myths we’ve read this week. Why do you think there are so many similarities in the various creation myths? Why, for example, are there so many flood myths? On a figurative level, how is water different from fire or earth? What do these myths teach us about the culture that created it? 

Discussion 3

How do myths reflect and influence the way cultures view the ideals for men and women? Do they represent good ideals? Bad? What might it say about a culture if one of the genders is missing from a myth? Are gender relations and power structures in myths the same among mortals as they are among the gods? Why or why not? Are there exceptions? Use examples from this week’s reading in your response. 

Discussion 4

Are heroes and villains mutually exclusive roles or can a hero commit a villainous act and can a villain act heroically? Give examples. Can a trickster be a hero? What lessons do trickster figures teach us? Are celebrities heroes, tricksters, or perhaps another kind of mythical figure? What is the difference between the real person and the image of them? Use examples from this week’s reading in your response. 

Discussion 5

Have you ever visited a place that can be considered sacred? Do you consider your experience there sacred? Why or why not? What is it that made the location sacred or not? Can secular places and objects be sacred? Discuss why or why not using examples.