Final answer:
A myth is a cultural narrative that encapsulates fundamental principles and values, often through storied culture heroes, while a ritual is a structured sequence of actions with a specific purpose. They are integral to society's religious and cultural expression, teaching and reinforcing norms, and adjusting to new societal values.
Step-by-step explanation:
Myth and ritual are interconnected facets of a society's cultural and religious fabric. A myth refers to a well-known story that encapsulates primary principles, values, and beliefs, providing a narrative through which societies can understand their origins, worldview, and social norms. They often involve culture heroes and offer lessons that transcend literal truth. In contrast, a ritual is a stereotyped sequence of activities designed to influence forces or entities beyond the natural world, with a concrete goal in mind, such as a marriage ceremony aiming for a union. However, myths and rituals are not one-to-one; they might dramatize the more engaging elements of rituals or simplify complex cultural issues. Myths can also give rise to new cultural practices when societies undergo dramatic changes, such as the Bolsheviks creating Soviet myths and rituals to embody new collective values.
Rituals vary in type and purpose. Some affirm group solidarity, like rites of intensification, others mark life transitions, like rites of passage, and some are for healing, known as rites of affliction. They serve to enforce social norms, illustrate the value of societal roles, and provide mechanisms for communal catharsis and renewal. While meticulously planned, their enactment is always unique due to individual participation and the context of performance.