Final answer:
Creative myths help people understand questions of existence by conveying cultural beliefs and values, contributing to a common cultural identity, and providing frameworks for existential understanding within societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Creative myths can help people understand questions of existence not by providing scientific explanations or offering historical facts, but rather by conveying cultural beliefs and values. Myths serve as narratives that shape and reflect the worldviews of a culture, offering insight into how a group understands itself, its origins, and its place within the cosmos. These stories can contribute to a common cultural identity, reinforcing traditions and norms that bind a community together.
Integral to this understanding is recognizing that while myths may not be empirically verifiable, they possess an internal truth that resonates with the human experience. For many societies, origin stories are a key component of their religious and philosophical traditions. They provide a framework for exploring the great mysteries of life, giving a sense of order in a world that can often seem chaotic and inexplicable.
These narratives have been a central part of human history, with figures such as Sigmund Freud and Emil Durkheim exploring their psychological and sociological implications. Creation myths like the earth-diver myth, studied by folklorist Alan Dundes, illustrate the variety and depth of existential understanding across different cultures.