UNDERSTANDING MYTHOLOGY AND FOLKLORE

Question 1

is a traditional story, often involving supernatural beings or events, that explains the origins of the world, a natural phenomenon, or a cultural practice. Myths are often considered sacred or religious and serve as a foundation for a society’s beliefs and values.​

Answer 1

MYTH

Question 2

Typically explains the origins of the world, a natural phenomenon, or a cultural practice. It often involves supernatural beings or events.​
- Often has a broader scope, explaining fundamental questions about the universe and human existence.​
- Often considered sacred or religious, and is believed to be true by those who follow it.​

Answer 2

MYTH

Question 3

encompasses a broad range of traditional cultural expressions, including stories, songs, dances, rituals, customs, beliefs, and crafts. Folklore is often passed down orally from generation to generation and reflects the unique cultural identity of a particular group.​

Answer 3

FOLKLORE

Question 3

More concerned with entertainment, moral lessons, or preserving cultural traditions. It can include stories about ghosts, fairies, or local heroes.​
- Usually more focused on local or regional stories, often involving specific characters or places.​
- May be believed in by some, but is often seen as more of a cultural tradition or entertainment.​

Answer 3

FOLKLORE

Question 4

TYPES OF MYTHS

Answer 4

Creation Myths​
Etiological Myths​
Hero Myths​
Trickster Myths​
Eschatological Myths​
Cosmogonic Myths​
Theogonic Myths​
Anthropogonic Myths​
Chthonic Myths​
Aetiological Myths​

Question 4

These myths explain how the world, humanity, or other natural phenomena came into existence. (e.g., the Philippine creation myth of Skyworld and Underworld)​

Answer 4

CREATION MYTHS

Question 5

These myths explain the origin of natural phenomena, customs, or social practices. (e.g., the myth of why the sun and moon chase each other across the sky)​

Answer 5

ETIOLOGICAL MYTHS

Question 5

These myths tell the stories of legendary heroes with extraordinary abilities who perform great deeds. (e.g., the story of Lapu-Lapu, a Filipino hero who resisted Spanish colonization)​

Answer 5

HERO MYTHS

Question 6

These myths feature mischievous figures who often use wit and deception to achieve their goals. (e.g., the tales of Pilandok, a cunning trickster figure in Philippine folklore)​

Answer 6

TRICKSTER MYTHS

Question 7

These myths deal with the end of the world or the afterlife. (e.g., beliefs about the afterlife in various Philippine indigenous religions)​

Answer 7

Eschatological Myths​

Question 8

The Rapture, Ragnarök, The Great Flood, The Mayan Apocalypse: While not strictly a myth, the Mayan calendar’s end on December 21, 2012 (sparked widespread speculation about the world ending on that date), The Last Judgment.​

Answer 8

Eschatological:

Question 8

The Genesis Creation Story: This Biblical account describes how God created the world in six days, culminating in the creation of Adam and Eve.​

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The Greek Creation Myth: In Greek mythology, Chaos was the first being, from whom emerged Earth, Heaven, and other primordial deities.​

Answer 8

COSMOGONIC

Question 8

These myths focus on the creation of the universe, often explaining the origins of the cosmos and its various elements.​

Answer 8

Cosmogonic Myths

Question 9

These myths describe the origin of humans and their relationship to the divine.​

Answer 9

Anthropogonic Myths​

Question 10

These myths deal with the creation or genealogy of gods and goddesses.​

Answer 10

THEOGONIC MYTHS

Question 11

The Hindu Creation Myth: The Hindu tradition has multiple creation myths, but one common theme is the emergence of the universe from a cosmic egg.​

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The Aboriginal Dreamtime: Australian Aboriginal mythology posits that the world was created by ancestral beings during a time known as the Dreamtime.​

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The Aztec Creation Myth: The Aztecs believed that the world had undergone several creations and destructions, and that the current world was the fifth.​

Answer 11

COSMOGONIC

Question 11

These myths involve the underworld or the forces of nature, often associated with death, rebirth, and fertility.​

Answer 11

Chthonic Myths​

Question 12

Theogony: Hesiod’s epic poem, “Theogony,” details the creation of the universe and the rise of the Olympian gods from Chaos.​

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The Enuma Elish: This Babylonian creation myth tells the story of Marduk, the supreme god, defeating the goddess Tiamat and creating the world from her body.​

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The Norse Creation Myth: In Norse mythology, the world was created from the body of Ymir, a primordial giant, by the gods Odin, Vili, and Vé.​

Answer 12

THEOGONIC

Question 13

The Egyptian Creation Myth: The Egyptian creation myth often involves the god Atum, who emerged from the primordial waters and created the world through his words and thoughts.​

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The Hindu Creation Myth: The Hindu creation myth often includes the concept of the divine trinity, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, who are responsible for creation, preservation, and destruction.​

Answer 13

THEOGONIC

Question 14

The Creation of Adam and Eve: In the Biblical account, God created Adam from dust and Eve from Adam’s rib.​

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The Prometheus Myth: In Greek mythology, Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans, leading to their advancement but also their punishment.​

Answer 14

Anthropogonic Myths: ​

Question 15

These myths explain the origins of natural phenomena, customs, or social practices.​

Answer 15

Aetiological Myths

Question 15

The Milky Way: In many cultures, the Milky Way is believed to be the path of a celestial river or the spilled milk of a goddess.​

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The Grand Canyon: In Navajo mythology, the Grand Canyon was created by a giant flood that washed away a giant monster. ​

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The Origin of Fire: In many cultures, there are myths explaining how humans obtained fire, often through the actions of a trickster god or a heroic figure.​

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The Origin of Language: Some myths explain the origin of human language, often through the intervention of a deity or a supernatural event.​

Answer 15

AETIOLOGICAL

Question 16

Deities: Hades (Greek), Pluto (Roman), Yama (Hindu), Mictlantecuhtli (Aztec), and Erlik (Turkic) are all chthonic deities associated with the underworld.​

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Creatures: Cerberus (Greek), Anubis (Egyptian), and Hel (Norse) are examples of chthonic creatures that inhabit or guard the underworld.​

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Rituals: Chthonic rituals often involve offerings to the dead, sacrifices, and ceremonies to appease the spirits of the underworld.​

Answer 16

Chthonic Myths: