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The Purpose Of A Trickster Mythology

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Trickster myths have been present in our society since the first stories were written down. Trickster gods serve an important function in every pantheon; they break through conventional methodology in order to solve problems using wit, craftiness, and cleverness. In some myths, Trickster gods serve a destructive force, getting humanity in trouble and prompting punishment from greater powers, such as that which occurs in the Prometheus myth. The ultimate purpose of the trickster character in mythology is to satisfy the human urge to erode the boundaries imposed by traditional values in order to achieve what one desires. One example of a trickster serving this purpose is the myth of how Raven brought light to the world. In one version of
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A trickster is “someone who tricks or deceives people especially in order to get something” (Merriam-Webster). Examples of the trickster archetype can be found in the Odyssey by Homer. For example, while Polyphemus has trapped Odysseus and Odysseus’ crewmates in his cave, Odysseus tells the Cyclops “Here, Cyclops, try this wine-to top off the banquet of human flesh you’ve bolted down” (Homer 222 lns. 388-389)! Enjoying the wine, the Cyclops demands for more, just as Odysseus anticipated he would.

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Trickster figures are present throughout mythologies in many cultures. They embody a complex blend of cunning, mischief, and often divine intervention. A popular name that rises in conversation with trickster gods is Maui, a prominent figure in Polynesian mythology. Maui has cunning wit and transformative powers. He creates stories about his actions and how others see him.

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Ancient cultures created myths to understand the world and events around them. All myths have a constant fundamental form of a theme, character type, or symbol which are called archetypes. The transgressor archetype is based off the titan Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and gave it to mortals. Characters that possess this archetype commonly have forbidden knowledge and will test the limits of what should be known. Their goal is to create something using their forbidden knowledge, but that creation leads to accidentally destroying.

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Hermes tricked Hades the god of the underworld to rescue Persephone for Zeus. Both of these gods used their trickery not just for themselves but also to help

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The trickster deity breaks the rules of the gods or nature, sometimes maliciously (for example, Loki) but usually with ultimately positive effects. Often, the rule-breaking takes the form of tricks (eg. Eris) or thievery. Tricksters can be cunning or foolish or both; they are often very funny even when considered sacred or performing important cultural tasks. In many cultures, (as may be seen in Greek, Norse or Slavic folktales, along with Native American/First Nations lore), the trickster and the culture hero are often combined. To illustrate: Prometheus, in Greek mythology, stole fire from the gods to give it to

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Penelope and Odysseus’ use of tricks and deception are both a help and a hinderacne in allowing the former to avoid a second marriage and confirm her husband’s identity and the latter to attain nostos. Odysseus is wise not to tell his crew of Skylla, but should have divulged the contents of the bag of winds. Similarly, Penelope’s trick with the bed was harmless and successful, whereas undoing her work on the shroud has severe consequences when she is caught. As Homer’s Odyssey demonstrates, tricks and deception must be used wisely in order to avoid problematic

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As Armstrong explains, “mythology was therefore designed to help us to cope with the problematic human predicament. It helped people to find their place in the world and their true orientation” (6). The idea of myths was created to teach humans proper behavior that fit with their ideal society, as well as help people live in peace with one another. They also taught valuable lessons on how not to live since people didn 't know where they come from and where they belong. We invented stories by using gods, humans and magical creatures to explain something that happens in nature.

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The Resemblance and Distinctness in Hades and Hel Myths and legends served as bases for cultures of old and largely reflect the civilization they derive from. An undeniably extensive part of a culture is the gods that they prayed to and feared. Nations used gods and aspects of gods to demonstrate their way of life, terrors, ambitions, and to explain the strange occurrences in life. A great example of this reflection comes from the lore of the Nordic and Greek people. The Nordic goddess Hel and the Greek god Hades serve as prime examples of what these cultures had in resemblance and in polarity.

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The mischievous God Have you heard of the trickster god? He goes by many names but that’s the most common. Loky is one of the most dangerous god that is in the Norse mythology he has 3 weird children and was part of the ragnarock Loky has been on both good and bad and has had incredible accomplishments he has killed a god that could not be hurt by anything but mistletoe and he managed to make skady the daughter of a recently killed giant and also was a mother to a horse which Odin used as a battle horse Besides doing all of that he is also a father to three kids Fenrir a wolf who bit Tyr’s hand off.

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Mythological Hero and Trickster Importance Hero and Trickster characters play prominent roles in numerous stories from diverse cultures. They are archetypes which may be analyzed to provide insight into and compare modern and ancient cultures. They mutually serve as a means to teach something. When looking at these characters and their journey’s evidence of a culture’s values and ethics can be seen. The characteristics and actions of both heroes and tricksters are significant to a culture.

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The Resemblance of Gods and Humans Throughout all religions, gods have always been seen as superior in every way possible. The division between humans and gods has always been prevalent and prominent. However, when the actions and motives of these gods are truly analyzed, it will become evident that the gods of Greek Mythology merely behave as humans with supernatural powers.

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In the epic poem The Odyssey, Homer portrays Greek gods and goddesses as possessing human qualities and faults. Through their actions and emotions, Homer emphasizes the detrimental effects of lust, envy, wrath, and greed in ancient Grecian society. He also never fails to remind readers of the importance of respect for holy figures because of their powerful abilities to create chaos and wonder". Homer wants to prove that gods and humans share a variety of traits, and the only difference is that god don’t allow these flaws negatively to impact their society. To help further his argument, we can compare Greek gods and goddesses to that of Christianity.

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They are allowed to interfere with humans in certain ways to certain extents, they have rules, and by punishing/rewarding humans, they create an order of morals/hierarchy so they serve a purpose as well. This presentation of the gods reveals that the Greeks see them as powerful, smarter, and "magically" significant beings. I think that the story shows that they see the Gods to be like us, but with power and authority.

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Deception and lies both play large roles in Greek mythology. Even Zeus, who is said to punish liars, frequently tricks both mortals and immortals. Although it always has a prominent role in myths, deceit is a powerful factor in the myths of Prometheus, Nessus, and Zeus. Prometheus was the wisest of the Titans, and the most dedicated fighter on behalf of humanity. Prometheus was the Titan who brought fire to mortals, even against Zeus’s will.

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A standard of trickster theory is the figure’s easy use of deception to obtain basic pleasures such as sex and food. In the Winnebago tales specifically, Trickster tends to use disguise and manipulation to fulfill his needs and, in the two stories with which I am concerned, mainly his desire for food. In one scholars’ definition of the common trickster characteristics it is said that “as his name explicitly states, the trickster is a consummate and continuous trick-player and deceiver” (Mapping Mythic Tricksters 35). So clearly deception tends to come along with the trickster figure, but the lies told in these two tales also expand to include the role of shape-shifter which is considered by this source to be a separate trait. Shape-shifting does seem to extend beyond a simple deception but remains within the realm of manipulation.

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