Myth, Legend, Hero 7.

Historical Myths
-give greater significance to an event than
INTRODUCTION what it really was, if it even really happened
-Myths, legends, and heroes have long shaped at all.
cultures, preserving history, beliefs, and values Ex. Trojan War (Greek), The 300 Spartans
through storytelling. at Thermopylae (Greek)
-Myths explain the mysteries of the world.
8. Morality Myths
-Legends recounts embellished tales of real
-explain how to act.
events.
Ex. Narcissus and Echo (Greek), King
-Heroes embody strength and virtue, inspiring
Midas and His Golden Touch (Greek
generations.
Mythology)
Myth
9. Psychological Myths
⚬ Greek word “mythos” meaning the story
of the people, fiction, utterance, tale, -explain why we feel and act the way we do.
and/or legend.
Ex. Cupid and Psyche (Greek myth),
⚬ used to describe a traditional story that Sisyphus (Greek Mythology)
typically aims to explain a natural or
social phenomenon.
10. Trickster Myths
⚬ passed down from generation to
-feature trickers.
generation
Ex. Anansi (West African), Loki (Norse
Types of Myth
Myth)
1. Aetiological/Etiological Myths
Characteristics of Myth
-explain why something is the way it is.
1. Ancient Stories
ex. Thor's Chariot (Norse), Persephone and
Demeter (Greek) Originating from earlier cultures and traditions.
2. Symbolic
2. Chthonic Myths
Contain symbolic elements representing
-relate to the underworld.
cultural beliefs or values.
ex. Duat (Egyptian), Hades (Greek)
3. Narrative
3. Cosmogonic/Creation Myths
Presented as stories or tales, often with heroes
-explain how the world came to be. and deities.
Ex. The Theogony (Greek myth), Kabunian 4. Supernatural Elements
(Igorot myth)
Include gods, monsters, or magical events.
4. Divine Myths
5. Explains Natural Phenomena
-involve gods and goddesses.
Often used to explain natural events or origins.
Ex. Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades (Greek),
Dumangan (Philippine myth) 6. Moral Lessons

5. Founding Myths Convey moral or societal lessons and

guidelines.
-describe how a society was founded. 7. Cultural Significance
Ex. Romulus and Remus and the Founding Reflect the values and identity of a culture.
of Rome (Roman), Malakas and
Maganda(Philippine Myth) 8. Oral Tradition
Often passed down verbally before being
6. Hero Myths written.
-describe the adventure or journey of a 9. Adaptability
hero.
Evolve and change across time and cultures.
Ex. King Arthur and the Knights of the
Round Table (British), Bernardo Carpio 10. Subjective

(Philippine myth) Interpretations may vary among individuals and

societies.
 Functions of Myth

Joseph Campbell Legend

• A leading scholar in the fields of mythology • A narrative that is partly true and partly
and comparative religion. imaginary about a particularly person, event,
place or natural feature.
• Explain that myth has four basic functions:
• Contains miracles and wonders handed down
1. Metaphysical/Mystical
from generation to generation though they are
2. Cosmological not authenticated by accepted proof.
3. Sociological • Latin word "Legenda" which means "for
4. Pedagogical things to read."
• Used to designate the life story of a saint and
1. Metaphysical function was also applied to portions of scriptures and
• awaken us to the mystery and wonder of selections from lives of saints to be read at
creation divine service.

• open our minds and our senses to an TYPES OF LEGEND

awareness of the mystical "ground of being“,
the source of all phenomena.
1. Historical Legends
Ground of being - revolve around real events or people
• term used by Joseph Campbell but are often embellished or distorted
over time. Ex. Robin Hood and his Merry
• refer to an unnamed, unspecified universal Men
mystical power.
2. National or Cultural Legends
2. Cosmological function -embody the values, beliefs, and identity
• describe the "shape" of the cosmos, the of a particular nation or culture.
universe, our total world. Ex. The American legend of Paul
Bunyan
• the cosmos and all contained within it
becomes vivid and alive for us. 3. Mythical Legends
-involve gods and goddesses,
3.Sociological function usuallfrom ancient cultures, and their
interactions with humans.
• pass down "the law“- the moral and ethical Ex. The Norse myths featuring Odin,
codes for people of that culture to follow Thor, and Loki
• help define that culture and its prevailing
social structure. 4. Supernatural Legends
-often involve creatures or events that
4. Pedagogical function defy the laws of nature or defy scientific
explanation.
• lead us through particular rites of passage Ex. The Bermuda Triangle
that define the various significant stages of our
lives-from dependency to maturity to old age, 5. Urban Legends
and finally, to our deaths, the final passage. -modern stories that circulate primarily
through word of mouth, social media,
Relevance of Myth in children’s literature and popular culture.
and society Ex. The Legend of Bloody Mary

• Myth in children’s literature can open up

imaginative new realms that allow child readers
to escape from their mundane lives.
• to make sense of their place in the world
• As is the case with adults, all children read
differently; therefore, how children interpret
myth depends on the knowledge they bring to
the reading experience. CHARACTERISTICS OF LEGEND
 Hero
1.A NARRATIVE of human actions that
— the protagonist or the main character who is
are believed by the storyteller and the
admired for their courage, strength, and
reader/listener to have taken place in
admirable qualities, who faces adversity and
human history.
overcomes obstacles to achieve a goal or
protect others.
2. Written in such a way as be at least
potentially real/true; includes no
happenings outside of the realm of
possibility. TYPES OF HERO

3. has a specific SETTING: a time, and 1. Classical Heroes

a place. They often include beliefs and  A character with an exceptional skill or
ideas of a culture talent that distinguishes them from
others.
4. has flexible guidelines, and
therefore, can begin with miracles that Often starts as an ordinary person but
are believed to have really happened. proves to be extraordinary.
5. transforms over time. Facts will Ex. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
change or be stretched, Hyperbole will 2. Everyman Hero
enter the Plotline, and colorful details
will remain and/or get more colorful.  An ordinary person who becomes a hero
through determination.
6. evolves over the years and are kept Ex. Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger
fresh, lively and exciting. Games), Frodo Baggins (The Lord of the
Rings).
7. can be prose or poetry. They 3. The Superhero
combine a real event or real person’s
unusual life story with the exaggeration  A character who possesses
and heroic actions that we associate superpowers or extraordinary abilities
with stories of heroes and great national who fought crime and protect others,
events. often with a secret identity.
Ex. Superman, Thor
8. read like Folk Tales but have at least
4. Tragic hero
a bit of historical truth.
 A noble character with a fatal flaw
9. different than myths because they (pride, ambition, etc.) who is destined for
portray a historical hero rather than one greatness but meets a tragic downfall.
who is a god or goddess. Ex: Oedipus (Oedipus Rex by
Sophocles) and Jay Gatsby (The Great
Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald)
Relevance of Legend in children’s
literature and society Fun Fact: Shakespeare was famous for
using this in his plays (e.g., Romeo,
• Develop children’s historical and Macbeth, and Brutus).
cultural consciousness.
5. The Epic Hero
• Understand societal contradictions that
have transpired in the past.  A legendary hero who represents
• embody the highest moral values of a cultural values and embarks on great
culture. journeys and battles powerful foes.
• contribute in shaping children’s moral Ex. Odysseus (The Odyssey), Achilles
consciousness. (The Iliad).

The 7 Characteristic Principles of an

Epic Hero
A. Noble Birth
- born into a royal or important family.
B. Superhuman Strength/Courage
– has incredible strength, intelligence, or
bravery.
C. Vast Traveler
 – embarks on long and dangerous 8. Woman as Temptress
journeys. – The hero is tempted to abandon
D. Unmatched Warrior Skill their quest, often through love or
– the best fighter of their time. comfort.
E. Cultural Legend 9. Atonement with the Father
–is already famous before their main – The hero must confront a powerful
adventure begins. figure, often representing authority or
F. Humility fate.
– The hero, despite their greatness, 10. Apotheosis
remains humble. – The hero achieves enlightenment,
G. Battles Supernatural Foes realizing their true potential.
– fights powerful, mythical 11. The Ultimate Boon
enemies. – The hero gains a reward, wisdom,
or power to complete their journey.
6. The Anti Hero
•A flawed or morally complex character who III. Return -The Hero Comes Back
still does good but lacks traditional heroic Transformed
qualities.
12. Refusal of the Return
Ex. Jean Valjean (Les Misérables) and Lisbeth
– The hero hesitates to return to their
Salander (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo)
old life after their journey.
13. The Magic Flight
– The hero must escape or
overcome final obstacles before
Origin of The Hero with a Thousand Faces returning home.
The 17 Stages of the Hero’s Journey 14. Rescue from Without
(Monomyth) – The hero receives help when they
are in danger or at their weakest.
by Joseph Campbell 15. Crossing the Return Threshold
– The hero fully reintegrates into
I. Departure (Separation) -The Hero their old world with their newfound
Leaves the Ordinary World wisdom.
16. Master of Two Worlds
1. Call to Adventure - achieves balance between their
– The hero receives a challenge or past self and their transformed self.
mission that disrupts their ordinary 17. Freedom to Live
life. - The hero, free from fear, enjoys life
2. Refusal of the Call with newfound wisdom and purpose.
– The hero hesitates due to fear,
obligation, or doubt. Relevance of Heroes in
3. Supernatural Aid Children and Society
– A mentor or divine force provides 1. Heroes as Role Models
guidance or tools for the journey. 2. Reflections on Real-World
4. Crossing the First Threshold Struggles
– The hero leaves their familiar world 3. Inspiration for Positive Change in
and enters the unknown. Society
5. Belly of the Whale
– The hero faces their first major Roles of Myth, Hero, and Legend
challenge, symbolizing their in Children's Literature
transformation.
Myth
II. Initiation – The Hero Undergoes a. Cultural Identity
Trials and Transformation b. Moral Lessons

6. Road of Trials Heroes

– A series of challenges that test the a. Role Models
hero’s strength, intelligence, and b. Universal Value
resolve. c. Empathy and Compassion
7. Meeting with the Goddess
– The hero encounters a figure who
offers wisdom, love, or aid. Legends
 a. Historical Context
b. Cultural Values
c. Believable Narratives
d. Fostering Critical Thinking

How Myths, Legends, and Heroes Interconnect

-Legends focus on heroes as well, but typically

anchor them in a more specific historical or
geographical context, blending fact and fiction to
inspire or instruct.
-The hero’s journey is a common narrative pattern
found in both myths and legends, illustrating the
transformation of the hero through trials and
adventures.

- Heroes serve as role models, embodying the

virtues and values that myths and legends seek to
transmit within a culture

Prepared by:
Desiree Mesa
Len Jacosalem
Marianne Carilimdiliman
Angel Hadia
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