LectureModule-9
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School
University of Winnipeg**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
ANTH 2108
Subject
Anthropology
Date
Dec 29, 2024
Pages
14
Uploaded by BaronPowerLyrebird35
Lecture Module 9: The Power of Myth The Power of Words: Land, Lifeways, and Lineage of Our Relations: Language, whether it is religious or secular, serves purposes that go beyond mere description or belief. It often functions as a tool for action, driving people to achieve specific outcomes. In this light, the actual content of what is being said may not be its most significant feature. Instead, the intention behind the words and the actions they inspire can be more critical. Words don’t merely convey information; they have the potential to create change andbring about tangible results.The idea that words can enact change is not new. Biblical accounts suggest that the Judeo-Christian God brought the universe into existence through speaking. This reflects a broader cultural belief that verbal expressions—whether they are prayers, songs, or myths—are not just for communication but are meant to influence the world around us.Most forms of speech operate on a level that is more figurative or metaphorical than literal. For example, if one states, "The cat is on the mat," this statement does not alter reality; the truth of the statement exists independently of the utterance. Conversely, when a priest or minister declares, "I now pronounce you husband and wife," the act of speaking these words creates a new reality: the couple is now legally married. This highlights the power of certain speech acts to change states of affairs.1
Other situations illustrate this further. A college administrator conferring degrees upon graduates begins a significant transformation in their lives, as does a monarch bestowing knighthood upon a subject. These moments stresses that the act of speaking can carry weight far beyond simple communication. Historically, many societies have placed great value on the power of speech to enact events, and this significance continues in various cultural contexts today.Certain utterances carry commands that demand action, such as a police officer saying, "You are under arrest," or a mugger's warning, "Be very afraid." For these utterances to be effective, they must adhere to specific cultural rulesand situational contexts. The exact words must be articulated correctly, and the speaker must be someone with the authority to make such statements. Forinstance, only an ordained priest can perform a Catholic mass; if an unordained individual tries the same, it would not hold the same validity as a sanctioned ceremony.The context in which speech takes place is also vital. A Western wedding rehearsal differs fundamentally from the actual wedding ceremony, with the latter carrying legal and social weight that the rehearsal lacks. Additionally, the person delivering the speech must often meet certain conditions, such as what is said must be said in the right way, and it must be performed by someone authorized to perform it. And, perhaps, the performer must be in the correct social or spiritual or ritual condition (e.g., be purified, have observed prohibitions, or be in the right state of mind, including “sincerity,” since performances can be “faked”).2
In revisiting the insights of cultural anthropologists Bronislaw Malinowski, who described myths as “charters,” and Geertz’s analysis of the “modeling” function of religion, it becomes clear that both scholars emphasize the role of language in shaping reality. They do not focus merely on describing the world;they highlight the act of creation and production. Language, especially sacred religious language, plays a critical role in this process. It not only reflects our understanding of the world, serving as a model of what exists, but also actively contributes to the formation of our reality, acting as a model for what can be.Myths connect us to the earliest moments of existence, drawing from the original events and figures that established the fabric of the world as we knowit. These narratives, found in myths, prayers, and sacred ceremonies, do more than recount ancient stories. They serve as powerful tools that allow us to engage with and invoke the foundational truths that continue to influence current thought and behavior. This ties directly to Geertz’s concept of the “moods and motivations” that religion instills in its followers. Religion shapes how individuals perceive the world and their roles within it, creating a shared understanding that guides actions and decisions.The impact of speech should not be underestimated. If language holds social power and is effective among social agents, then it follows that the words uttered by humans can also wield significant religious influence. When religious entities such as other-than-human persons (Hallowell 1967) are considered as social beings, the potency of human language becomes even 3
more apparent. Humans use words not just to convey ideas but to interact with the divine and the supernal.Language manifests in various forms such as myths, prayers, chants, songs, spells, and proverbs. These forms can have a tangible effect on the supernatural realm, potentially leading to observable and desirable outcomes in our everyday lives. Such effects could include improved health, longevity, personal success, good fortune, timely rain, and increased fertility. For instance, when the Navajo prayed “pleasant again it has become,” they were not describing a more pleasant life or expressing a hope for one, but creating one. Through the shared practice of these linguistic expressions, communities tap into a tradition that blends the spiritual with the material, demonstrating the interconnectedness of belief and lived experience. This dynamic illustratesthe profound influence of language in shaping both individual lives and the broader societal landscape.Reintegrating myth into the modern world involves acknowledging its lasting importance in shaping cultural identities, understanding human psychology, and enriching our stories. Myths are more than just ancient tales; they serve as valuable resources that have historically clarified human values, morals, and social standards. These narratives provide a means to explore complex themes relevant to everyday life, such as love, fear, heroism, and the essence of existence, and how we should interact in the world.The significance of Indigenous sacred narratives and myths cannot be understated. They form a vital part of cultural heritage. Myths reflect the 4
beliefs and traditions of various societies. Engaging with these stories allows us to preserve our diverse backgrounds and honor the unique identities of different cultures. Recognizing and sharing these narratives contributes to ourcollective memory and enriches our cultural fabric.Additionally, myths offer psychological insights. Influential figures like Carl Jung highlighted how myths stem from the collective unconscious. They revealdeep truths about human nature and behavior. In psychotherapy, these stories can help individuals make sense of their personal experiences. Through their exploration of archetypes and symbols, myths facilitate self-discovery and understanding.Moreover, myths often convey moral and ethical lessons. They encapsulate complex life lessons and dilemmas. These narratives guide individuals as they navigate intricate social situations. By providing concrete examples of right and wrong, myths can help clarify choices and values.To effectively reintroduce myth into the world today, several strategies can beemployed. Education plays a crucial role. By incorporating myths into school curriculums, we enable students to explore literature, history, and philosophy,including traditional Indigenous knowledge. This approach allows learners to discover the relevance of these stories in today’s world. 5
Art and literature also offer avenues for reintegration. Encouraging modern interpretations and adaptations of myths in various artistic forms makes these stories accessible to audiences today. This process can create a dialogue between the past and present, enhancing our appreciation for both.The use of digital media presents another powerful method, such as Omushkego Narratives accessible through www.ourvoices.caon the Internet. Sharing and retelling myths through online platforms can engage global audiences. These mediums foster cross-cultural conversations and allow for wider sharing of these timeless narratives.Community engagement is equally important. Organizing events and discussions that focus on local and global myths can enrich our appreciation for cultural stories. These gatherings facilitate connections among individuals and highlight our shared human experiences.In summary, reintegrating myth into modern society deepens our understanding of both history and contemporary life. Engaging with these timeless narratives enables individuals and communities to find meaning, direction, and a profound connection to the human condition. By weaving myth back into our daily lives, we enrich our cultural landscape and pave the way for deeper understanding and reflection.6
Importance of Storytelling to Culture and Humanity:Storytelling is one of the most fundamental ways in which the human brain organizes and understands experiences. Every action we take and every feeling we have is intertwined with a narrative. Television, social media and the Internet are effective because they are platforms for storytelling. These mediums convey information framed in a way that conveys a specific messageor meaning. Story serves as a lens through which humans interpret events andinteractions, transforming them into something significant and relatable. In contemporary society, people find themselves immersed in stories constantly. From the moment of birth until the end of life, and even during the hours spent asleep, individuals engage with countless narratives—be they through books, films, conversations, or dreams. This persistent engagement with stories (both shared and personal) informs our understanding of the world around us. These narratives help us form connections with others, allowing for a shared sense of experience and understanding. Overall, humansare characterized as both "storied beings" and "storying beings," constantly involved in the act of telling and relating our experiences through various forms of storytelling.Stories have long served as the primary means through which humans have preserved and communicated information. They form the foundation of the oral traditions that define Indigenous cultures. From the earliest days of human existence, these communities have relied on stories to shape their understanding of life, existence, and the world around them. Through the telling and reenactment of these sacred narratives in rituals, songs, dances, 7
and various forms of art, Indigenous peoples are creating a rich tapestry of collective memory and cultural identity, and working to revitilize their languages and cultural practices. Stories one avenue through which reconcilation can be achieved. The importance of storytelling is deeply rooted in human biology and psychology. The act of storytelling is linked to how the brain processes and organizes information. This connection plays a crucial role in memory formation and retrieval. At a more profound level, stories resonate with the essence of the human spirit, capturing emotions, dreams, and existential questions. They serve as mirrors reflecting the complexities of human thoughtand emotion. However, the role of stories extends beyond their educational purpose or mere recital. Indigenous stories encapsulate the lived experiences of individuals and communities across time and space. They convey much more than simple narratives; they embody truths that are felt and remembered by those who share them. These stories offer a glimpse into the deeply human way of communicating and connecting with one another. They preserve wisdom and knowledge, serving as vital links to the past while guiding present and future generations. In this way, storytelling stands as one of the most authentic expressions of human nature and our shared experience on this earth.8
The Power of Myth: Enchantment is a profound state where one feels as though they are under a spell, akin to the influence of magic. It represents those moments of awakening when an ordinary, grey day changes into a misty wonderland, revealing hidden depths of beauty. In these moments, one might catch a glimpse of the Lady of the Lake emerging gracefully, sword in hand, symbolizing the unexpected power that lies beneath the surface of everyday life. Stories have the capacity to evoke such enchanting feelings in us. They serve as illuminating searchlights, penetrating the dark and uncharted territories of our minds. These narratives shine light on the neglected aspects of our spiritual existence, rekindling our relationship with deeper emotions and old wounds.For most of us today, grand ideas dominate our thinking. These ideas function like giant cyclops, focusing on a single topic while disregarding everything else around them. With this singular focus, they shape and simplify complex realities, reducing diverse thoughts into a dull sameness. However, humanity is inherently resistant to such flattening. To flatten an idea is to constrain it within one rigid definition. This action creates barriers, shutting down any alternative interpretations that could enrich our understandings.Stories, on the other hand, resist such limitations. They possess an inherent complexity that defies easy categorization. Their impact unfolds from within, influencing our thoughts and emotions at a fundamental level. Many of these tales are ancient, their origins lost to time. We may not even know when or how they first came into being, yet they continue to resonate with us. Their 9
timeless nature speaks to the universal human experience, reminding us of the layers of meaning that life holds. Through stories, we explore the richness of our existence, discovering connections and insights that elevate our understanding beyond the narrowed confines of simplistic ideas.Mythic narratives serve as powerful stories that explore psychological and spiritual themes, much like dreams do. Dreams can be seen as journeys filled with symbols that reflect human nature. These symbols often carry meanings that resonate universally or hold significance for the individual experiencing them. For instance, images of woods and oceans frequently symbolize The Unknown in our lives. In some contexts, these same images might represent safety or a thriving environment brimming with life. The complexity of symbols lies in their dependence on context; they can convey factual messagesbut do not possess a rigid, unchanging meaning.Stories function as frameworks that guide our actions and thoughts in everyday life. This is why people retell the same stories repeatedly. Although these narratives can be distorted or politicized, particularly in today’s society, there remains a deep-seated desire to reconnect with the originals. Their timeless nature and the multitude of reflections they offer about our inner experiences contribute to their continued appeal.Often, these profound tales feature characters who make poor decisions and must confront the consequences of their actions. Such narratives can also cleverly compartmentalize our inner selves into distinct figures, portraying the conflict between our rational and emotional sides as siblings. 10
Alternatively, these stories may explore the various choices and possibilities of our lives through a trio of brothers. Different spiritual states can be represented by pairs of friends, reflecting the complexities of our internal struggles.Sacred narratives often have a grand scope and complexity. They include characters such as heroes, heroines, talking animals, gods, angels, demons, and dragons. These stories engage with essential themes of light and darkness. They reflect the connection between our inner selves and the broader culture we inhabit. Through these narratives, we frequently confront the reality that we may not live up to our own ideals. We realize that our understanding of ourselves and the world around us may be lacking. Despite their significance, many people overlook myths as mere ancient tales. They are often dismissed as simple explanations for the world, such as the origins of a people or the reasons behind weather patterns. These views often stem from a limited engagement with the material. Those who reduce myths to just historical or scientific curiosities typically have not explored the richness of these narratives. In reality, myths offer much more than mere explanations. They form the basis for nearly all contemporary storytelling. Whether in fantasy literature, superhero tales, or stories about ancient peoples, mythic elements are woven throughout. On a deeper level, myths express our inner lives in tangible forms. They bring to light feelings and thoughts that can be difficult to articulate. Our individual struggles and conflicts are examined within the framework of our cultural 11
narratives. These stories help us make sense of our experiences and emotions.They allow us to explore personal issues in a communal context. As we engagewith mythic themes, we connect with shared human experiences and values. This connection provides a powerful lens through which to view our lives and society. It shows how pervasive mythology is in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world.Myths serve as a vital sacrament, transforming the unseen into something tangible. They illuminate the pathways of our actions, unearthing significant truths about our relationships and our place within the universe. These narratives link individuals to the wonder and complexity of creation, bridging the gap between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Within the fabric of these myths lies guidance for our choices and actions. They prompt us to consider how we utilize our existence and the limited time we have. The interplay of who we are and the time we have maps out our individual destinies, casting a call to adventure that encourages exploration and self-expression. Myths challenge us to push the boundaries of our understanding and experience. These narratives are rooted in the deep and often troubled yet brilliant traditions of ancient spiritual traditions, reflecting a rich history of human thought.Myths navigate the delicate balance between our inner psychology and the wider spiritual realms. They illustrate how humans resonate with and draw inspiration from a variety of beings, whether they be gods, angels, demons, 12
elves, dwarves, or animals. They remind us of our connection to the stars and to the Great Abyss of Being, which encompasses all existence and nurtures life.In contemporary society, there is a clear absence of mythology. Many assert that these stories have become obsolete, that they no longer hold relevance for modern life. This perspective is ironic because, unbeknownst to us, we continue to embody the essence of myths in our daily lives. We often act out these archetypal narratives without realizing their influence. The myths of oldstill weave through our experiences, shaping our identities and guiding our interactions in subtle yet profound ways.Sacred narratives provide a foundational understanding of our surroundings, emphasizing the intricate and vibrant nature of reality. These stories reveal profound truths, akin to a child witnessing the shimmering tip of a diamond, awakening to the realization that this glimpse represents only a fraction of a vast and complex reality, much like the visible part of a colossal iceberg. Such Indigenous narratives play a crucial role in reconnecting individuals with their deep-rooted relationships to the land and the great spirit. They highlight the enchantment and kinship that binds all humanity, reinforcing a sense of belonging within the larger tapestry of existence.Enchantment is a powerful emotion, characterized by joy and admiration for beautiful things. It calms certain parts of our being while other aspects exult incelebration. This feeling can also evoke fear, as it often marks the beginning of a journey filled with uncertainty. Trusting in this relationship with the great spirit fosters a connection that links us to the earth and all it holds. Unfortunately, for many years, Indigenous sacred narratives and ceremonial 13
practices have faced significant suppression. They have been reduced to simplistic ideas, stripped of their mystery, and disrespected in their cultural significance. The time has come to revitalize these sacred stories and practices. Preserving the languages tied to these narratives is critical for transmitting worldviews and lifeways essential to cultural identity. Renewing focus on these powerful stories will help restore their rightful place in contemporary society, allowing future generations to benefit from the wisdom they offer. By honoring these narratives, we can enrich our understanding of our connections to one another and to the land, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultures that contribute to our collective heritage. It is essential to embrace the depth and richness of these traditions, ensuring they continue to inspire and guide us in understanding our place within the universe.And as Joseph Campbell says in the Power of Myth, “We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us. Follow your bliss. If you do follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while waiting for you, and the life you ought to be living is the one you are living. When you can see that, you begin to meet people who are in the field of your bliss, and they open the doors to you. I say, follow your bliss and don’t be afraid, and doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be. If you follow your bliss, doors will open for you that wouldn’t have opened for anyone else.”14