Myth as action rather than creed

Myth as action rather than creed

Abhirami Sankaran

2/3/2023

Excerpt from Notes on the Meaning of Myth

Myth as narrative truth “are not easily understood by us because they are conveyed in actions, and not in ideas; their moral messages are not spelled out in creeds, but are re-enacted in the dramatic happenings of rituals and other ceremonial occasions” (202). 

I find the idea that myths are truths told through interpretation rather than words fascinating. It indicates a level of moral flexibility that is often harder to come across in current moral messages. It also encourages discourse. If the meaning of Jason’s actions in the story of the golden fleece are not explained in the text, the best way to derive the meaning is through discussion. This method of meaning through discussion and interpretation of action seems to mirror the current realm of tv and movie video essays. I have been a fan of this genre for years and the aspect of it I find most fascinating is how so much information can lie just below the surface of a media. There are no true good or bad characters since their actions are what define them. The audience is trusted to analyze the actions and interactions of the characters on screen. This allows for a breadth of meanings and opinions to be applied to the same text. 

I wonder if the discourse that surrounded these classics mirrored those applied to modern works. 


I am also a little confused on the aspect of this excerpt which speaks of rituals and ceremonies. Does this apply to performances of the myth? If so, would it be a play of sorts. When I was younger and attended temple I remember being a part of a Ramayana play. Would this be to which this line refers? In truth, I do not think I have a complete grasp on this line. 

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