I've had many interests, enthusiasms and passions in my life, but the most enduring one of all is my love of mythology. As a child, I was fascinated by the Greek gods and goddesses. And I also immersed myself in Judeo-Christian imagery and symbolism, which I later came to understand were mythology as well. As a teenager, I could not get enough of the Arthurian Legends and then the myth cycle of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.
As an adult, I've been intrigued by the mythologies of many cultures -- Egyptian, Sumerian, Middle Eastern, Hindu, Buddhist, Norse. My embrace of the Divine Feminine is really just another form of immersion in mythology. So is my ongoing interest in tarot, which is a mythological symbol system as well. Even my interest in superhero characters and stories falls into this area, because what are superheroes except modern, secular American mythology?
When I discovered the Jungian approach to mythology in my thirties, a whole new world of interpretation opened up. Mythology is where our collective human knowledge and wisdom about life, emotions, psychology, hopes, fears and deepest truths are contained from ancient times until now.
Mythology remains an inexhaustible source of fascination to me. You'll soon be seeing more posts about mythology on this blog -- some goofy, some serious, some thoughtful, some irreverent. I hope you'll enjoy them!
37 comments:
Ohhh
Love this topic! Greek mythology is the best known of them all and we have seen its influence in the arts. But you are right, the connection between mythology and the way we live is palpable (the idea of the superhero as the latest incarnation of this need to hear mythological stories is right on target!).
Looking forward to what you have to say!
Oh, btw, I love the Tarot!
XOXO
Looking forward to these posts. I’ve been thinking how are current mythologies are shaped by advertising and driven by profit (Disney movies, e.g.j. Does that make them more or less, or no impact in terms of authenticity and human spirit? Did the imposition of a mythological focus by a king do the same?? Lots to think about…we know so many more cultures than our ancestors..
I will be glad to learn more, Debra.
I must admit I know some basic mythology, Greek and Roman gods and such, but others are a mystery to me.
Looking forward to being educated.
I, too, developed a fascination for and love of mythology when I was young. I could tell you all the stories and name all the gods. I lost my way as a young adult and lost my interest in the mystical and magical. I should start reading again!
Your connecting superheroes and Mythology is fascinating.
the Ol'Buzzard
This will be interesting, and thanks for thinking of it.
I love mythology too - my problem is when people see mythology as absolute truth and impose that on others. Still I look forward to your exploration of some of the more obscure deities.
I guess my mythology is in the ancestors. I am fascinated with (southern) Italian culture and how the many influences of Greece, Rome, Egypt, Arabic nations have impacted the language, culture, music and some strange beliefs and customs of the region. Even some of the stories my grandmother would tell. I'm sure those Greek and Roman gods and goddesses are still alive and well in remote areas of Campania, Calabria, Sicilia,and other regions.
i can't wait for the posts!
I know nothing about mythology, but that's probably because of my Christian faith, but maybe some of it will be connected, so I'm interested to read more.
I still have my childhood love of mythology, the age of chivalry, and magic.
I love mythology. This is going to be most entertaining.
When I first leaned mythological stories, and even today, I wonder "Wait, is that real?" There's something very human and believable about these stories. My trip to Greece in 2017 happened because of my love for mythology. Yay. I'm looking forward to more from this series, Debra.
We had a mythology unit in grade 4, I believe, and it's been a lifelong interest ever since. I'm looking forward to these posts!
Sounds.... interesting. I shall await with bated breath your first mythological post!
"the collective unconscious" We are Borg.
This will be so interesting, though my comments will be their usual drivel. I have so much trouble retaining information these days.
Not any single mythology hooked me too much
@ Joanne Noragon -- Your comments are never drivel, Joanne! They are always worthwhile!
I don't think of any mythology more than any other, though I like to read about them now and then. I like more solid things, like architecture and permaculture.
I have often been intrigued by mythology. One of my favorite movies of all time is Clash of the Titans (I think a shirtless Harry Hamlin helped).
i loved your approach towards mythology dear Debra and how nicely you put it at the end yes mythology is way to show us mirror from our back i mean past :)
i also really liked the quote and agree to it totally .
i would love to read all the series of mixed posts on mythology :)
hugs and blessings to you and loved ones!
I love the old Greek myths. Who else would talk about the things they do? Thanks to them, we have the wine dark sea, we have Scylla and Charybdis, we have a hero for every occasion. We have Athena. We have Sapho. We have a god for just about everything. I appreciate them. Right now, Hephaestion is preparing my armor for the next insult. Where would we be without Achilles and his heel?
Never read Jung but you have me intrigued. Might just have a little look see. I won't immerse myself in anything but art but i am an avid information seeker constantly curious about everything mystical so i am indeed going to take a look. Thanks for your always interesting blog posts my friend x
you remind me of me when I was a kid..my parents would sometimes shake their head at some of the books I would read but they really couldn't understand my fascination with mythology...and still have it till this day..
This is a wonderful post. You always come up with the best topics. Have a great day today.
if you listen to Spotify with any type of regularity, there is a very good podcast series called "Mythology" that covers all kinds of mythology from all over the world. I used to be a regular subscriber to it when it was on other platforms, but Spotify pulled it back to their own in August 2020. I highly recommend the podcast
I love mythology. I can't wait to read your posts about it.
Sassybear
https://idleeyesandadormy.com/
I love the question "what myth am I living?". I took a course in Mythology in college before I had a focus. It was incredibly fascinating and entertaining. I am looking forward to your Mythology focused posts!
I suspect you are probably better read on myths than I. My myth introduction was in high school. I mistakenly thought it was just Greek/Roman thing. As you know it's worldwide and yes I agree about the connection to modern religions. I believe it was the PBS documentary "The Power of Myth" that opened my mind to how much bigger it is that some Greeks and Romans.
That one of my complaints living a small town is not enough art and culture.
Coffee is on and stay safe
I am all about world mythology. Bring it!
My first degree is in Classics - ancient history and mythology. I love all that stuff as well and the similarities between two very different groups.
I love all mythologies,y favourite being Greek and Norse. If you consider the Arthurian Legend mythology, add it to the course as well.
You're talking my language, Debra! I LOVE mythology. I'm looking forward to all that you'll share.
I'm looking forward to your mythology posts, Debra. I enjoy mythology too. You're so integrated in your pursuits. I'm all over the place. I wonder what myth I'm living.
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