It’s nice to see how intertwined cultures can become; there are many ways we’ve observed various aspects of our world that can capture the attention of anyone looking to learn. Today, we’ll explore how the stories from myths and legends influence our modern culture and how some of them have survived and piqued the interest of people outside the regions these stories originated from. So, let’s dust off some stone tablets, sit around a campfire, and delve deeper into mythology.

Before widespread literacy, myths were passed orally, likely by Minoan and Mycenaean bards from the 18th century BCE onwards. This leads to the possibility that each retelling of a particular myth became embellished and improved upon to increase audience interest or incorporate local events and prejudices. However, this is also a modern interpretation, as it is possible that the telling of myths followed certain presentation rules, and a knowledgeable audience may not have willingly accepted ad hoc adaptations to a familiar tale. Over centuries, with increasing contact between city-states, it is challenging to imagine that local stories did not become mixed with others, creating myths with diverse origins. Though, unfortunately, we may not know the full stories due to many factors, plenty of enthusiasts are looking to fill the gaps.

Greek mythology is the most popular, boasting many myths, gods, and heroes that have influenced literature, art, and culture for centuries. It has also been adapted into several Hollywood movies and TV shows. Egyptian mythology is one of the oldest mythologies, encompassing stories of gods, pharaohs, and the afterlife. It has a rich collection of myths and legends that have influenced art and culture for centuries. Celtic mythology includes tales of gods, goddesses, and heroes from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, influencing literature, art, and culture for centuries. It is known for its unique characters, such as Cuchulainn and the Banshee. Japanese mythology includes tales of gods, goddesses, and spirits, boasting a rich collection of stories that have influenced Japanese culture for centuries. It is known for its unique characters, such as the Shinto gods and the Yokai.

In the modern day, most mythologies that were once intertwined parts of culture are now just stories that survive to the modern day. However, these myths still hold a place in society, capturing the interest of archaeologists and history buffs. The stories from these myths continue to teach lessons and inspire us today. So, if you ever want to find a good story, there’s plenty to choose from, they may be myths, but can still be legendary.

References:
Cartwright, Mark. “Greek Mythology.” World History Encyclopedia, 29 July 2012, https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek_Mythology/#. Accessed 22 December 2023.

Krambs, Gregor. “The Most Popular Mythology: Exploring Ancient Folklore and Legends.” StrawPoll, https://strawpoll.com/most-popular-mythology. Accessed 22 December 2023.