Myth: Definition. Myth by Losev. Definition of mythology

Ancient Greek, Scandinavian, Oriental myths are familiar to most of us from childhood. Fantastic creatures, originality of subjects, mighty heroes, which are their elements, are remembered for life as part of the historical past of modern civilizations. The definition of myth and mythology in children is not particularly difficult. This is something like a fairy tale, fictions of ancient people who did not know anything, but everyone tried to explain. However, the definition of the word "myth" is not so simple. Behind familiar stories hides a whole world.

Explanation of real events

The definition of "myth is an impression of the worldview of its creators" may seem strange. Nevertheless, analysis by many scholars of the heritage of various nations allows us to talk about its fidelity. For the young humanity, mythology served as what science is for us today. She explained various phenomena, established norms, significant events. The features of the mythological understanding of the world are based on the nuances of thinking inherent in people of a particular historical period.

The images, names and narratives that were born in the consciousness of a people were called upon to explain real phenomena and events, as well as social norms.

The basis

The features of thinking that make mythology a symbolic system of describing and understanding the world can be reduced to the following features:

• The lack of the ability to distinguish between the real and the supernatural;
• Low criticality, expressed in ignoring obvious contradictions;
• Only the initial degree of development of abstract concepts;
• Sensory-concrete cognition;
• imagery;
• Emotionality.

These and some other features of primitive thinking equate mythology with worldview.

The main treasure and immutable law

There may be a definition of the word "myth": it is a special concept that affirms a certain system of values and explains its appearance. Our distant ancestors did not have ethics books and multivolume directories that prescribe this or that type of behavior at a particular moment. All this was replaced to a certain extent by mythology. It was a powerful source, the waters of which prepared the ground for the development of philosophy, science, and literature.

Each of the researchers who have been following the theme of the myth is considering it from a slightly different angle. So, one of the most significant scientific concepts was created by A.F. Losev. The author refuses the subject of his research in explanatory and cognitive function. The definition of the myth according to Losev sounds as follows: myth is an expanded magical name. It is a fusion of ideas and sensual images, expressed and denoted by one word - name.

Myth and religion

Mythology and religion are not the same. They appear separately from each other, but closely interact throughout the history of mankind. Mythology as a world view includes religion, as well as primitive philosophy and knowledge. In this sense, it is primary. Myth as a name is expressed in a specific image or in a religious ritual. So he becomes not a familiar story, but a dance, a song or other ritual action. However, this relationship does not end with the two structures. The so-called cult myths serve to explain rituals. They appear often, when the original meaning of actions is lost. Such myths-narratives are secondary to the ritual.

Myth and Literature

In order for the definition of the word "myth" to become more understandable, it makes sense to distinguish this concept and related to it. Among them - a fairy tale, a heroic epic, a legend. The first two grow out of myth. The fairy tale has a lesser degree of etiological function (does not tell about the origin of anything), it is often supplied with a conscious fiction. The narrator and listeners are aware of the unreality of the events described. The myth occurs in the process of unconscious creation. Its content is perceived "as is" and is never questioned.

The main contribution that mythology made to the epic is the image of a cultural hero. On its basis, many of the characters known to us have grown up. In proportion to the "growing" of the epic from archaic to "progressive" forms, the proportion of mythological elements in it decreases.

At the heart of the legends are often historical events. However, the line between myth and such a narrative is very arbitrary. Tales of various episodes of history are too closely interwoven with the narrative of the life and activities of the gods and other fantastic elements.

The definition of mythology as an ancestor of literature is thus quite just. On its basis, many well-known narrative genres grow.

The definition of the word "myth" is somewhat different for different authors. However, all researchers agree that mythology is an impressive layer of culture, capable of much to tell about the past of mankind.