Application of Skills
Directions: Apply the knowledge you have gained from Chapter 9 to select the best answer to the questions about the following reading passage.
¹Every society, from the smallest band society to the most complex postindustrial society, has a sacred literature called myth that states certain religious truths. Myths, embodying a specific worldview, contain stories of the gods, their origins, their activities, and the moral injunction they teach. Unlike magic or witchcraft, myths serve to answer the larger questions surrounding human existence-such as why we are here. Myths not only have an explanatory function, but they also validate some of the essential beliefs, values, and behavior patterns of a culture. That is, a culture's mythology is closely connected to its moral and social order. It is important to point out that myths need not have any basis in historical fact. Although there may be elements of history in myth (and vice versa) , the importance of myth from an anthropological perspective is that the narrative reflects, supports, and legitimizes patterns of thoughts and behavior.
²A common form of myth is the myth of origin, which provides answers to questions about how things began. Often, these myths tell of the origins of the gods themselves, their adventures, and how they went about creating both humans and the natural environment. Some myths, which can be told in either sacred or profane settings, describe how various gods (or divinely inspired humans) brought about the existence of important cultural features such as government, fire, or agriculture. Another type of myth, known as a trickster myth, is less serious in tone but carries important messages. These often humorous myths serve at least two functions-to reveal the historical origins of certain features of the world and also a moral that is conveyed.
-adapted from Ferraro, Cultural Anthropology: An Applied Perspective , pp. 355-356
Which answer below would be the best choice as a title for the reading passage?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The passage discusses the presence of myths in every society, their function in explaining larger questions surrounding human existence and validating cultural beliefs and values, as well as different types of myths such as myths of origin and trickster myths. The title "The Role of Myths in Every Culture" best encompasses the main idea of the passage.

Application of Skills Directions: Apply the Knowledge You Have Gained from Chapter 9