Myths are: Definition, Characteristics, Functions, Types, Elements, Examples

Myths are: Definition, Characteristics, Functions, Types, Elements and Examples – In this discussion we will explain about Myths. Which includes understanding, characteristics, functions, types, elements and examples of myths with complete and easy-to-understand discussions. For more details, please read the review below carefully.

Myths are: Definition, Characteristics, Functions, Types, Elements and Examples

Let's start this discussion with an understanding of myths first, along with their descriptions.

Definition of Myth

Myth or also called Mites is a folk prose story that tells a story with a past background, contains: interpretation of the universe and the existence of creatures in it, and is believed to occur by those who adhere to it or its owners.

In general, myths tell about events in the universe, the world and the creatures that inhabit it, topographical forms, stories about supernatural beings and so on. Myths appear as exaggerations of historical events, as allegory or personification for natural events or as explanations of the spiritual.

Understanding Myths According to Experts

The following is the definition of myth according to experts.

1. Bascom

The definition of myth according to Bascom is a myth or myth is a folk prose story characterized by gods or gods that occurred in another world (heaven) in the past. and is considered to actually occur by storytellers or adherents and relates to the scene, the universe, the gods, customs and fairy tales holy.

2. Ahimsa-Putra

The definition of myth according to Ahimsa-Putra is a strange story that is often difficult to understand or accept the truth is because the story in it doesn't make sense or doesn't match what we meet daily.

3. Levi-Strauss

The definition of myth according to Levi-Strauss is a legacy of a form of story from oral tradition that tells about gods, humans first, animals, and so on based on the logical schema contained in the myth and which allows us to integrate all. problems that need to be solved in a systematic construction.

4. Cremers

According to Cremers, myth is a sacred story in a symbolic form that tells a series of real events and imaginary about the origin and change of the universe and the world, the gods, the power of human nature, heroes and Public.

5. William A. Haviland

The definition of myth according to William A. Haviland is a story about a series of semi-historical events that explain the problems at the end of human life.

6. Webster's Dictionary

The definition of myth according to Webster's Dictionary is a parable or allegory whose existence is only an illusion that cannot be proven.

Characteristics of Myth

In general, myths have the following characteristics:

• Distortive

Is the relationship between forms and concepts that are distorting and deforming. The concept distorts the Form so that the meaning in the first-level system is no longer the meaning that refers to the actual fact.

• Intentional

It is a myth that does not exist either, a myth is deliberately created, constructed by the culture of the people with a specific purpose.

• Statement of Fact

That is, myth naturalizes the message, making us accept it as an undisputed truth. Something that exists naturally in common sense.

• Motivational

The form of myth according to Barthes contains motivation. Myths are created by selecting various possible concepts to be used according to the first level semiotic system.

Myth or Myth Function

Myths or also called myths have a function in the socio-cultural life of the community, including the following:

• To develop symbols that are very meaningful and also explain existing environmental phenomena.
• It is a very effective educational tool in accounting and instills certain cultural values, social norms and beliefs
• This became a guideline for the supporting community to build social solidarity with its members so that they could distinguish between communists from each other.
• To instill and strengthen certain cultural values, thoughts or knowledge
• As a driver of the development of creativity in thinking.

Types of Myth or Myth

According to the place of origin, myths are divided into two types, namely myths originating from Indonesia and myths originating from outside (Indonesia, Arabia, countries around the Mediterranean Sea). And also myths can be classified into creation myths and origin myths.

Creation myths are myths that contain the events of the creation of something. Then the origin myth is a myth that contains events that create a process until something is formed.

The Intrinsic Elements of Myth

A myth has an intrinsic element, namely:

• Theme
• Plot
• Background
• Characterizations
• Viewpoint
• Language style
• Mandate

Myth Example

The following are some examples of myths.

1. Bruises on the body from being licked by the devil?

Myth. Usually bruising occurs due to ruptured blood vessels. Maybe it's a bleeding disorder or blood clotting. Therefore, you should consult with your doctor about blood clots and blood vessels.

2. You can not eat cucumbers during menstruation?

Myth. There is no relationship between eating and menstruation. There are no dietary restrictions during menstruation. In fact, women who are menstruating are encouraged to eat foods that contain iron.

3. Riding a motorcycle at night causes pneumonia?

Myth. In the medical dictionary does not recognize the term wet lungs. This condition occurs due to bronchitis, but has not attacked Avelus. It occurs due to persistent and untreated coughing or smoking.

Wet lungs do not occur due to riding a motorcycle at night. Maybe riding a motorbike can make you feel cold and lower your endurance, especially if you're not wearing a jacket.

4. When thick blankets can reduce fever

Myth. In the past, people covered themselves with blankets to sweat and conditions when fever could go down. But recent research says that people who have a fever are not good when wearing thick blankets. Therefore, toxins or infections are difficult to get out of the body.

It is feared that wearing a thick blanket can inflame the organs of the body. So when you have a fever, don't cover your body, take medicine, rest in a room with a moderate temperature, which means it's not too cold or too hot.

5. Drinking cold water can make you fat?

Myth. In fact, drinking cold water burns more calories than plain water. However, drinking cold water can increase your appetite so you are at risk of getting fat.

6. Eating guava can cause appendicitis?

Myth. Until now the cause of appendicitis has not been found.

Examples of Indonesian Myths

Below are some examples of myths that develop in Indonesia, including the following:

• Shoulder Laweyan
• Dewi Nawang Wulan's story
• The story of the displacement of the Holy Mountain, Mahameru in India by the gods to Mount Semeru which is considered sacred by the Javanese and Balinese
• Joko Tarub's story
• The Story of Nyai Roro Kidul (Queen of the South Sea)
• Barong Story in Bali

Thus it has been explained about Myths are: Definition, Characteristics, Functions, Types, Elements and Examples, from SeputarPengtahuan.co.id Hopefully it can add to your insight and knowledge. Thank you for visiting and don't forget to read other articles.