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 that 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.	+

Latest revision as of 13:56, 10 May 2012