Pick ONE of the following themes from the Leeming’s The World of Myth: An Anthology 3rd edition:

Question

• Death and rebirth
• Search for self-knowledge and identity
• Search for family, friend and/or sense of belonging
• The Afterlife or descent to the Underworld
• Cosmic symbols: The Tree, The Stone, The Cave

1) Write a letter to a god OR a goddess OR a character from a world myth from the list below:

Native North America (Tewa): Water Jar Boy
Greece: Theseus
India: The buddha
Ireland: Fionn
Europe: King Arthur
Arabia: Muhammad and the night journey
Africa (Kikuyu): Wanjiru
Africa (Nyanga): Mwindo
Indonesia (Ceram): Hainwuele
Mesopotamia: Gilgamesh
Greece: Herakles, Perseus and Medusa, Jason and the gold fleece, Odysseus, Orpheus and Eurydice

2) In the letter, tell the god, goddess, or character about ONE of the above themes from another country that we covered in class (Weeks 8 to 11). You must convince them what is interesting, unique, or compelling about the other country’s mythology.

3) Also, explain to them in your letter why this theme is relevant and meaningful to YOUR personal context and/or experience, and why the theme interests you personally.

Answer 1

Dear King Arthur,

I hope this letter finds you well in the illustrious realm of Camelot. I wanted to reach out to you today to discuss an intriguing theme that we recently covered in our mythology class: the Search for Self-Knowledge and Identity. While this theme is present in countless mythologies from various countries, I would like to focus on the mythology of India and the story of The Buddha.

In the ancient Indian tale, The Buddha embarks on a lifelong journey to discover the true nature of existence and ultimately attain enlightenment. His quest for self-knowledge and identity takes him through profound stages of self-discovery, where he confronts the universal sufferings of humanity and seeks liberation from the cycle of rebirth. This introspective journey resonates deeply with me, as it prompts us to reflect on our own identities, purposes, and the search for inner peace.

What makes the Indian mythology unique and compelling is its emphasis on personal experience and mindfulness. Unlike traditional hero myths focused on external battles, The Buddha's story explores the internal battles that we all face. The teachings of The Buddha, including meditation and mindfulness practices, offer practical methods for self-exploration and personal growth, allowing individuals to connect with their true selves and attain enlightenment.

The theme of the Search for Self-Knowledge and Identity holds significant relevance in my personal context and experience. In our fast-paced modern society, it is all too easy to get caught up in external expectations and lose sight of our true selves. Like The Buddha, I believe that self-reflection and self-awareness are essential for leading a fulfilled and authentic life.

This theme also interests me personally because I am on my own journey of self-discovery. Exploring different mythologies from around the world has allowed me to gain valuable insights into the diverse ways in which people seek to understand themselves and their place in the world. The stories of heroes like yourself, King Arthur, and The Buddha inspire me to delve deeper into my own identity and uncover the truths that lie within.

Therefore, dear King Arthur, I wanted to share with you the captivating and meaningful theme of the Search for Self-Knowledge and Identity that I have discovered in the mythology of India. I hope that this glimpse into another country's mythology ignites your curiosity and encourages you to explore the vast tapestry of human experiences portrayed in mythological tales.

With warm regards,

[Your Name]