What Is a Myth?

Which of the following best defines a myth?

• a story that is made up and not to be believed at all.

• a traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events.

• a movie that involves the retelling of true events.

• a story that has some supernatural elements, but does not explain a natural phenomenon.

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What is one of the purposes of a myth?

• to make people laugh

• to make people cry

• to explain a natural occurrence or phenomenon

• to sell lots of copies and make money.

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What is another purpose for a myth?

• to explain the creation of the world or universe

• to tell a funny story about animals and people

• to scare readers

• to convince people of one specific belief

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True or false:

A myth is nothing more than a made up story that is not to be believed.

• true

• false

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True or false:

Two of the characteristics of myths generally include are aspects of nature, and gods/goddesses with supernatural abilities.

• true

• false

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True or false:

Myths in some form exist in many different cultures around the world.

• true

• false

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True or false:

Only one type of myth exists for one genre. For example, there is only one creation myth shared by all cultures.

• true

• false

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Is the following an example of a myth?

A goddess loses her magical powers and cries tears of sadness down onto the Earth. This is where rain comes from.

• myth

• not myth

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Is the following an example of a myth?

A god wakes up early and is very angry. He stomps on the ground, but his supernatural strength causes the earth to shake. This is where earthquakes come from.

• myth

• not myth

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Is the following an example of a myth?

A princess falls asleep in the woods. She wakes up and realizes she has missed her family ball.

• myth

• not myth

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