Difference between revisions of "The Second Purpose of a Myth"
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| − | + | The second purpose of a myth is to justify an existing social system and account for its rites and customs. | |
In many ancient societies, rulers and/or the ruling class got the power or right to rule because they either were gods, were the children of gods, or the gods said they should rule. For example, in ancient Egypt the Pharaoh was said to be a god incarnate, and he ruled because it was his divine right to do so. The idea of a social system where one class is "created to rule" by divine power stabilizes a civilization's central government and helps present dissent and uprisings. | In many ancient societies, rulers and/or the ruling class got the power or right to rule because they either were gods, were the children of gods, or the gods said they should rule. For example, in ancient Egypt the Pharaoh was said to be a god incarnate, and he ruled because it was his divine right to do so. The idea of a social system where one class is "created to rule" by divine power stabilizes a civilization's central government and helps present dissent and uprisings. | ||
In other civilizations, rigid and unequal social structure was justified with the idea of an afterlife or spiritual rewards for those who follow the morality system of that culture. A good example of this is the Hindu caste system. This sys | In other civilizations, rigid and unequal social structure was justified with the idea of an afterlife or spiritual rewards for those who follow the morality system of that culture. A good example of this is the Hindu caste system. This sys | ||
Revision as of 21:10, 18 October 2011
The second purpose of a myth is to justify an existing social system and account for its rites and customs.
In many ancient societies, rulers and/or the ruling class got the power or right to rule because they either were gods, were the children of gods, or the gods said they should rule. For example, in ancient Egypt the Pharaoh was said to be a god incarnate, and he ruled because it was his divine right to do so. The idea of a social system where one class is "created to rule" by divine power stabilizes a civilization's central government and helps present dissent and uprisings. In other civilizations, rigid and unequal social structure was justified with the idea of an afterlife or spiritual rewards for those who follow the morality system of that culture. A good example of this is the Hindu caste system. This sys
Sources: CS&PS: Hinduism and Early Indian Society, p. 12 Manual: Neolithic Revolution, p. 38
