Pick-a-Shelf discussion

I was reading the comments from the people in the What Will you read thread, and it seems that we many of us are at a bit of a loss as for as Mythology is concerned. I'm not sure what to list as questions, either. But here is what I have come up with:

1. Do you read Mythology on a regular basis, or is this a stretch for you?

2.When you hear the word mythology, what do you think of? Are fairy tales mythology? What about fables? What is the most popular mythology?

That is all that I could come up with. What about you? If you have any questions that you think it would be fun to discuss, put them here and let's see what everyone thinks.!

I love greek/roman mythology. I did a unit on mythology for school in junior high and I been hooked ever since. I don't think fairy tales are a part of mythology. I think of the greek and roman tales are mythology and the show Hercules: Legendary Journeys and Xena.

1. I have always loved mythology so I'm right at home.

2. Ancient beliefs related to religions of older civilizations. I would consider fairy tales and fables myths because, why not?

This is actually a stretch for me, but it's nice to read outside my comfort zone from time to time :) I do read some mythology now and then, though.

I agree with Jamie as far as the second question is concerned. I have a shelf called "folklore and mythology", where I shelved classic mythology books but also fairy tales and legends.

I have always thought of mythology as Greek god and fairly tales as Cinderella and Snow White. My 12yr son is into folklore and mythology and has enlightened to a whole new word and reading a book on Norse mythology as that is his favorite.

I actually teach myths and legends at the local college. While myths, legends and folktales (fables, fairy tales, trickster tales, etc) are all part of the oral tradition and impart cultural knowledge, myths are different as they attempt to explain natural phenomena in a time before science provided explanations.

Legends are different as they often revolve around historical figures and real places, and fairy tales (which don't actually have fairies in them) are stories that highlight human traits using supernatural elements.

Lauren wrote: "I actually teach myths and legends at the local college. While myths, legends and folktales (fables, fairy tales, trickster tales, etc) are all part of the oral tradition and impart cultural knowle..."

That is a really cool post, Lauren. Thanks for chiming in and giving us a great way to distinguish them. I was wondering where fables fall in all of this. To me they are a separate entity from either myths, folktales, or legends.

Sure thing Lyn :)

Fables are a type of folktale in which the characters are all animals and each animal represents a human trait. They have a moral, i.e., their purpose is to educate children on social norms and ethical behavior.

For example, the tortoise and the hare teaches children to persevere in their endeavors (like the tortoise) and not to brag (like the hare).

Lauren wrote: "Sure thing Lyn :)

Fables are a type of folktale in which the characters are all animals and each animal represents a human trait. They have a moral, i.e., their purpose is to educate children on s..."

That makes total sense!

Thanks so much for the clarification, Lauren! Your job sounds very interesting and you definitely are the right person to explain us how this all works. I knew nothing of all that.

Thanks Marina. Glad to be of help!
Yes, I love my job :)

I read mythology when I was a kid, but now it's a huge stretch. That said, I was already in the middle of a book that counts as it has been shelved it about 25 times (I think that's what I found out).

Jamie wrote: "1. I have always loved mythology so I'm right at home.

2. Ancient beliefs related to religions of older civilizations. I would consider fairy tales and fables myths because, why not?"

I separate fairy tales and myths as the former were never anyone's beliefs, but merely stories with moral lessons or to entertain (mostly the former--and they have been very much cleaned up from many of the originals). But what is a myth really depends on your definition and what you believe, too. There are many myths that have nothing to do with mythology.

myth
miTH/Submit
noun
1.
a traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events.
synonyms: folk tale, folk story, legend, tale, story, fable, saga, mythos, lore, folklore, mythology
"ancient Greek myths"
2.
a widely held but false belief or idea.
"he wants to dispel the myth that sea kayaking is too risky or too strenuous"

One example of definition 2 is the common American myth that Canadians have national socialized medicine, for example (it's provincial and has been since it started in different provinces).

But I think this shelf refers to the first definition, although if a book has been shelved that way for definition 2, I would think it was fair game (I'm not going that way, though.)

I have always loved Mythology and found it fascinating. I can never decide if Greek/Roman or Norse is my favourite though as they are both full of amazing characters.
I don't read nearly enough of it though, so this was a wonderful choice of a bookshelf to get me going.
I've finally been able to start getting back to my normal reading pace this year now that my daughter is a bit older, so i'm very excited to see if I can squeeze in a couple for this shelf.

Slayermel wrote: "I've finally been able to start getting back to my normal reading pace this year now that my daughter is a bit older, so i'm very excited to see if I can squeeze in a couple for this shelf."

Mel! It's lovely to see you! And see you getting your reading back :)

Hahahaha.....thanks! I feel like I've been AWOL forever. I'm so happy to be able to read when i want again :)
It's the little things in life lol
I missed you guys