Academic Vocabulary

A myth is a tale of gods and goddesses, early science and politics, and social behavior.
An example of a myth is the Story of Persephone, Demeter, and Hades.

A hero is a universal character with a unique characteristic who embarks on a cyclical journey.
An example of a hero is Hercules.

A hero journey is a cyclical journey consisting of a call to adventure, companions, spiritual guides, initiation, trials, final battle, transformation, and a gift to be shared.
An example of a hero journey is the Adventure of Hercules.

The definition of universal in the world of mythology is that it applies to all, is large, includes everything, and connects with everyone.
An example of universal is Atalanta’s independent and carefree attitude.

An archetype is the foundational model or the original kind or model.
Examples of an archetype are the different foundations of Creation: the universe starting from an egg, watery abyss, or void.

Cyclical means that something progresses in a circular pattern and always ends where it began.
An example of cyclical is the Hero’s Journey.

Duality is when two opposites make up a whole, whether equally or unequally.
An example of duality is Mother Earth and Father Sky.

Creation is the beginning of the world and universe.
An example of creation would be the story of the universe coming to being from an Egg, Watery Abyss, or Void.

Cosmology is the study of the world and universe.
An example of cosmology is the Big Bang Theory.

Life from death is that life is created from death that continues in a cyclical pattern.
An example of life from death could be the Cronus was killed and used to create the world.

Matriarchal is the foundation of female power where the mother rules.
An example of matriarchal figure would be Tiamet.

Patriarchal is the foundation of male power were the father rules.
An example of patriarchal figure would be Zeus.

A sacrifice is a gift offered with the hope of receiving a gift that will benefit everyone.
An example of a sacrifice is the offering of food or living beings to the gods and pharaoh in Egyptian culture.