Mythology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Mythology - Essay Example Mythology also enters the discourse when it comes to symbolisms of national pride. Specific colors and figures upon the varying national flags all carry important historical and mythological stories behind them (McClure and Leonard, 2004, pp. 1-6). National emblems have their own mythological backgrounds as well. These figures serve as important testaments to the events that molded and formed the sovereign nation that they are today. National emblems and flags are not the only factors dictate the presence of symbolic mythology. Culture is also a field where myths reside. In the case of American mythological importance, the Grand Canyon in Arizona is a place of great interest. The area holds deep American heritage which is an important factor for the nation’s identity and culture. It reminds them of the early and the indigenous settlers who dwelt along the site. Stories of American myths on Indian tribes and the mythological beings attached to them are part of the structure of what early American culture is about (McClure and Leonard, 2004, 331-336). When it comes to modern day myths, the impact of such stories does not greatly influence the view that I look at the constant flow of history in the modern society that I dwell in. However, myths from the past like that of the stories confined within ancient American tribes make me think about the flow of unexplained powers of nature that may or may not exist. Such makes me wonder whether natural forces narrate the everyday lives of people. It makes me contemplate about one’s adherence to the will of nature’s spirit. The worldview of a particular people can also be affected by myths. This can be seen in the philosophical values of the Japanese people. The mythological stories of Kobo Daishi are of great significance to the formation of the mentality that the Shinto-Buddhists have. The symbolic events that happened in the stories of Kobo show the precepts of Buddhism and thus, a background which explains the Japanese attitude. Hence, the mentioned myths explain the simplicity, asceticism and practicality of the people through the influence of their religious oath (McClure and Leonard, 2004, 360). . Aside from the Japanese, the Jewish have their Waters of Eternal Life (McClure and Leonard, 2004, 361-363). Like the mentioned, mythologies create a huge influence in modern society. To emphasize the roles of myths in the modern era, religious tales are the most influential. These form the standards of ideological and religious belief thus, creating a way-of-life for a certain group of people. I have not personally travelled to any sacred place but I am greatly familiar with the Grand Canyon of Arizona. From an observer’s stand point, I presume that there is, indeed, a huge difference between secular places and the Grand Canyon. First of all, the aura of the place is entirely unique. The Grand Canyon is rich of the Native American heritage which entails a great deal of cul tural significance for the American nation as a whole. When topic of travelling is concerned, souvenirs make a great deal because it functions as a testament to the first hand experience that a certain individual has in the presence of a particular landmark. Souvenirs transform into an artefact or a relic which gives proof that a person had seen the splendour of a specific place. For my personal hobby, I collect book that spans to non-fiction, fiction, the occult and the