THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MYTH AND RELIGIOUS CONCEPTS: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS
Abstract
This article explores the distinctions between myths and religious concepts, emphasizing their unique roles in shaping cultural and theological frameworks. Myths are traditional narratives that explain natural phenomena, cultural practices, or historical events through symbolic and often supernatural means, serving to convey deeper truths and societal values. In contrast, religious concepts refer to the core ideas and doctrines central to a religion's belief system, including moral principles, rituals, and sacred texts that guide the religious practices and worldview of adherents. By examining the characteristics, functions, and societal roles of both myths and religious concepts, this article clarifies how they influence cultural identity, ethical behavior, and religious institutions, providing a comprehensive understanding of their distinct yet interrelated contributions to human thought and society.
References
Anderson, M. (2020). Mythological Names in Modern Languages: A Cross-Cultural Analysis. Routledge.
Baker, J. (2018). Myth and Language: The Influence of Ancient Legends on Contemporary Lexicon. Journal of Linguistic Anthropology, 28(3), 215-230. https://doi.org/10.1111/jola.12167
Brown, T. (2019). The Legacy of Greek Mythology in Modern English: From Achilles to Zeus. Classical Studies Review, 15(2), 105-121. https://doi.org/10.1093/csrev/vty017
Chen, L. (2021). Mythonyms and Cultural Identity: The Impact of Chinese Mythology on East Asian Languages. Asian Linguistic Studies, 33(4), 402-419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asln.2021.06.003
Davis, H., & Smith, R. (2022). Myth and Meaning: The Role of Mythonyms in Language and Culture. Cambridge University Press.
Gonzalez, F. (2017). Norse Mythology in Scandinavian Languages: From Ancient Texts to Modern Usage. Scandinavian Language Studies, 21(1), 50-65. https://doi.org/10.1080/09502359.2017.1287654
Patel, R. (2023). The Influence of Hindu Mythology on South Asian Languages: A Historical Perspective. Journal of South Asian Linguistics, 19(1), 78-92. https://doi.org/10.1080/09374116.2023.2213348
Smith, A. (2020). Translation and Interpretation of Mythonyms: Challenges and Strategies. Translation Studies Review, 11(2), 134-150. https://doi.org/10.1080/15475882.2020.1835239
Wilson, J. (2018). The Dragon and the Mythical: Exploring the Role of Mythonyms in Language Evolution. Oxford University Press.