Studying a Myth
In my view, myths are a connection between familiarity and mysticality. Shared folklore also offers a shared lens between a community, which offers insights based on wisdoms that dwell within the hypothetical. Myth also invites skepticism, and this skepticism develops a semblance of politicality within that community, without having to suffer the consequences of extreme indifference. In this light, I feel that myth as a whole is an overall positive for a discussion. In studying mythology, we can observe elements within craft, such as motif, that resonate with familiar figures. For example, a poem about a snake that turned to stone may be associated with irony because of Medusa, but to an uninformed person, this will remain in the realm of the unknown. The mysticality of the myth works in its favor, and adds depth to those familiar.
The Process of Mythmaking
However, mythmaking itself is something I'm really new to. When I was developing my myth, I knew I wanted to work with an idea that could be taken seriously. I have always loved horror-content from my age of the internet. One of these sites which founded these modern myths was called Creepypasta, which were stories written by anonymous people that really helped shape modern myths as well as internet culture. So, taking some inspiration off of that and wendigo, really helped me shape my idea. I wanted my project to also function as a warning, so I designed it to spread awareness to child abuse as a whole. My myth is called MaPa, based on parents that have substance abuse issues.
The Benefits of Mythmaking Pedagogically
In the future, I believe that this mythmaking could be to my benefit, as it allows me to utilize mysticism and provoke the interests in younger readers to take interest in what I have to offer in my lessons that I'd teach. Ideally, I believe that having students engage with a subject and developing their own creations off of that is super interesting and beneficial to their creativity. I would hope to help them develop an interest in my coursework to an extent that they would feel that they wouldn't want to use Artificial Intelligence whatsoever. But, maybe that is wishful thinking. I can only hope that this is the case.
How do you feel about myths and mythmaking overall? I took a course studying it in the past, and I would be so interested in what you have to say.
Hi Sam, good job in connecting the ideas of making your own myth to the community around you as well as your own creativity. Myths definitely require you to balance mystical and realistic elements. That's why they feel personal and also connected to something timeless and larger than one person. Very cool to mention Creepypastas and modern internet folklore / how we have kept the idea alive to this day. As a kid I remember not being very interested in "normal" folklore at all, but loving creepypasta stuff like Slenderman etc. I like your specific myth a lot. There's plenty of examples of super famous and iconic horrors based on childhood and psychological issues, and I find those to be the most relatable, especially considering they are the "real" horrors that people face. I had a fun time with the myth activity and I definitely think kids in middle or high-school would have a blast with a similar assignment. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteHey Sam! Really great and exceptional explanation of what a myth is and the study of them. From what you have written I can tell you really put your heart into your creation of your myth. You really did some research and lore on what you wanted to come to fruition. Totally worth mentioning Creepypasta. That was like The modern horror story myths I grew up with back in elementary and middle school so I can see how you took inspiration. Also a very important and heavy topic you took on in your myth. I definitely took a different approach in my myth. Did not take it too seriously and added some humorous elements. But more power to you by spreading awareness.
ReplyDeleteHonestly I am a cheerleader for any creativity in the classroom so I completely agree! I think it would be a great opportunity for students to maybe step out of their comfort zone and try something new!
- Sage Ortega