Archetypal Sexuality (Gender Relationships in Mythology)

Author: Fang Gang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-08-01
Features: There is still a debate in mythological studies between narrow and broad definitions of myth. Advocates of the narrow definition argue that myths must be products of a specific historical period, namely primitive society, and that those produced in class societies are not myths. However, myths originating from primitive society did not disappear after entering class society but rather evolved, incorporating new elements. When myths merged with human-made religion in class societies, they continued to evolve. We can only regard this phenomenon as a cultural stratum of class society. As long as the core of the myth remains unchanged, it should still be recognized as a myth. Mao Dun wrote in his book Mythological Studies: "Historians can find history in myths, believers can find religion in them, and philosophers can find philosophy. It is undeniable that the new of each era often adds a new coat to ancient myths."