AComparisonbetweenChineseandGreekMythology.pptVIP

A Comparison between Chinese and Greek Mythology Definition of mythology Religious Ideology Root Plot and System Archetypes of Gods Spreading Ways and Influence Conclusion Definition Mythology is sedimentary deposits(积淀） of primitive society ideology, which is also a heritage of national culture. Mythology, which is cultural accumulation (文化积累)of a nation over a long period of time, reflects early people’s imagination and interpretation of the natural and social phenomenon that cannot be demonstrated in those days. Mythology represents some eternal truth (永恒真理)which belongs to the moral or aesthetic category. This kind of representation has intercultural impacts. Religion and literature have the similar social functions, that is, to spread the eternal truth by telling stories. By studying mythology, we will be able to know how the primordial people lived and how they viewed themselves and the world and also the great impact that mythology has had on literature and arts. Religious Ideology Root In Chinese traditional creation mythology(创世神话), the naissance（人类诞生） is owing to Nv Wa (the Goddess of Sky-patching). As is recorded in Shuo Wen（说文）: “Nv Wa，the goddess in ancient time, who created human beings.” After Pan Gu creating the sky and earth, although there were mountains and lakes, flowers and birds, there was no trace of human beings, Nv Wa kneaded human beings by yellow clay(用黄泥捏造人类) from a model of herself in the water, endowed them with lives, and taught them weaving, plough and other knowledge of existence. As a female god, Nv Wa loved this world; however, she loved her children more deeply. So, when the sky was going to collapse and human beings were facing extinction, she smelt multicolored stones to repair the sky（炼五彩石补天）, and emancipated people from the catastrophe. In Chinese people’s mind, Nv Wa is kindly and amiable, she is the Goddess that having created and guarding human beings, and boasts the excellent quality of