Question

Animals (sometimes in the form of a monster) often must be defeated in a myth before a character is able to continue their journey or keep their life. How does this symbolize the obstacles people face in real life? What is an example of an obstacle you have faced that mirrors, even loosely, the obstacles monsters present in myths and legends?

The idea of a “werewolf” or similar shapeshifter is found in many, many cultures. Why do you think this myth is so common?


How do the myths and legends about animals help us infer the ways in which certain animals were important to a society?


Cryptids exist in almost every known culture. Why do you think the idea of an animal that exists outside the realm of the knowable or provable is so intriguing?

Answer 1

The presence of animals or monsters in myths and legends symbolizes the obstacles people face in real life. Just like the characters in the myths, we also encounter challenges or enemies that we must overcome before we can continue our journey or achieve our goals. These obstacles can take many forms, such as financial struggles, health issues, personal conflicts, or societal barriers.

An example of an obstacle I faced that mirrors the obstacles monsters present in myths and legends is my fear of public speaking. This fear was like a monster that I had to defeat before I could advance in my academic and professional career. Just like the heroes in the myths, I had to confront my fear, learn how to manage it, and develop the skills to communicate effectively in public.

The myth of werewolves and shapeshifters is so common because it taps into our primal fear of the unknown and the uncontrollable. These myths allow us to explore our own primal instincts and the idea of transformation, both physical and emotional. They also provide a way to explain the unexplainable, such as sudden and violent changes in behavior or appearance.

Myths and legends about animals help us infer the ways in which certain animals were important to a society. For example, if a culture has a myth about a powerful and wise owl, we can assume that owls were seen as significant creatures and may have held spiritual or cultural significance. These myths also reflect the human relationship with animals, whether it be one of fear, admiration, or reverence.

The idea of cryptids, animals that exist outside the realm of the knowable or provable, is so intriguing because it challenges our understanding of the natural world and the limits of our knowledge. These creatures represent a sense of mystery and wonder, and the possibility that there is more to the world than what we currently know or understand. Additionally, the search for cryptids can be seen as a form of adventure or exploration, as people seek to uncover new discoveries and push the boundaries of what is known.