Our Mythical Hope in Children’s and Young Adults’ Culture... The (In)efficacy of Ancient Myths in Overcoming the Hardships of Life (original) (raw)
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Classical Antiquity is a particularly important field in terms of “Hope studies” […]. For centuries, the ancient tradition, and classical mythology in particular, has been a common reference point for whole hosts of creators of culture, across many parts of the world, and with the new media and globalization only increasing its impact. Thus, in our research at this stage, we have decided to study how the authors of literary and audiovisual texts for youth make use of the ancient myths to support their young protagonists (and readers or viewers) in crucial moments of their existence, on their road into adulthood, and in those dark hours when it seems that life is about to shatter and fade away. However, if Hope is summoned in time, the crisis can be overcome and the protagonist grows stronger, with a powerful uplifting message for the public. […] Owing to this, we get a chance to remain true to our ideas, to keep faith in our dreams, and, when the decisive moment comes, to choose not...
What Is Mythical Hope in Children’s and Young Adults’ Culture? – or: Sharing the Light
2021
Introductory chapter to the volume Katarzyna Marciniak, ed., "Our Mythical Hope: The Ancient Myths as Medicine for the Hardships of Life in Children’s and Young Adults’ Culture", Warsaw: Warsaw University Press, 2021, 836 pp. Open Access for the whole volume: https://www.wuw.pl/product-eng-16830-Our-Mythical-Hope-The-Ancient-Myths-as-Medicine-for-the-Hardships-of-Life-in-Childrens-and-Young-Adults-Culture-PDF.html
Marciniak K. (ed.), Our Mythical Hope: The Ancient Myths as a Medicine for the Hardships of Life in Children’s and Young Adults’ Culture, series “Our Mythical Childhood”, Warsaw, Warsaw University Press, 2021
In Classical Greek vase-painting, young individuals of both sexes play several skill and chance games at a prenuptial age, a risky time, especially for girls. The aim of the painters is not to represent a real game, allowing the reconstruction of rules. Ludic activities transpose in a virtual world the critical phase of courtship and the hope for its successful result: marriage. Play and games create a metaphorical space where maidens display their agency over life uncertainties under the patronage of Eros and Aphrodite.
The Power of Myths to Motivate
see 'The Secular Sacred' - M. Bennett - KIndle Edition, 2014
In order to effect change myths must be locally and individually relevant. The themes of myths are universal but, if they are to succeed in stimulating our identification with them, they must be relevant to us in our everyday lives. Their persuasiveness is dependent upon their ability to retain their universal appeal and yet be translatable into a variety of local cultures and contexts. They must enable us to identify with the hero and her quest not only in the world of gods, demons and dragons but they must also help us to see ourselves as Everyman so that each person can find that heroic part of themselves and live a moral life through everyday acts of kindness, understanding and compassion and be receptive to the moral actions of others.
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The present paper is an introduction to the debate on the contemporary methodology of research on myths. I attempt herein to elucidate the essence of myth, with the attempt being carried out in two parts. In the first part, I overview a history of the philosophical debate on the subject as well as I specify the reasons why myth ought to be reunited with truth anew, as was the case with Greek philosophers. In the latter part, I deal with the analysis of myth in relation with a human being – both in the individualist senseand in the social one, with the latter sense performing a significant role in understanding the world as well as humanity at large. Furthermore, I suggest what the essence of myth might be and what validity it can have for the contemporary man. The reflection included in the present text is inspired by some pertinent philosophical conceptions that allow me to show that it is possible to say something new about myth and the research thereupon.
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In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and ecological crises, the "Modern Mythological Framework" offers a timely exploration of twelve contemporary archetypes, each embodying unique challenges and opportunities. Drawing upon a diverse panel of thought leaders—from Immanuel Kant and Friedrich Nietzsche to Sitting Bull and Maureen Murdock—this framework integrates ethical guidelines, rituals, and the concept of "Harmonia" to guide individuals and communities toward ethical living and collective well-being. At its core, the framework emphasizes the ongoing Hero's Journey as a cyclical process of growth, transformation, and stewardship. It introduces the "Elixir of Inner Wisdom" as the ultimate boon, a synthesis of technology, nature, and ethical living that serves as both a personal and collective guide. The moral of this modern mythological narrative is that individual enlightenment and ethical action contribute to a pragmatic vision of collective upliftment. This work serves as a comprehensive guide for navigating the complexities of modern life, providing actionable insights for individual and collective transformation.