Final answer:
Myths are more than untruths; they proclaim moral truths, reflect universal concerns, and shape social norms. They encompass core values and beliefs, are part of the collective unconscious, and can impact society like a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Step-by-step explanation:
A myth about a premade course of action is the idea that myths are simply untrue tales people knowingly propagate despite knowing their falsehood. This is not entirely accurate.
Myths serve a greater function than merely being stories; they are important for proclaiming and elaborating on moral truths and universal concerns across cultures.
They provide a structure and coherence that explains and unifies experience, dispelling chaos. Furthermore, these myths become part of the collective unconscious, aiding in simplifying the world and identifying enemies.
Another important aspect is that myths, even when acknowledged as fictional or 'broken myths', can still hold significant value.
They teach primary principles, beliefs, and values transcending chronological time, such as the 'Santa story' or the myths about the origins of a nation or its values.
These narratives, while not historically accurate, are part of how societies construct and understand their identity and history, often shaping social norms and becoming self-fulfilling prophecies as described by sociologist Robert K. Merton.
A Brief Structural Analysis of a Myth
One illustrative example is the 'earth-diver' myth, where a deity creates life by sending an agent to retrieve earth from the water.
Despite variations across cultures, such myths reveal universal themes—the deity, the intermediary, and the creation of humanity. Myths like these, far from being superficial fabrications, are deeply ingrained narratives that offer insight into human cognition and societal values.