and customs,
they are know as explanatory or etiological narratives." While
many such narratives were not believed by their tellers (they were
etiological folktales), other narratives were believed to be true (they
were etiological myths). Often times the same narrative can be
both a myth and a folktale--depending on who is telling it. For example
the Tower of Babel narrative is viewed as a true explanatory myth by
some fundamentalist believers; on the other hand, many others see the
narrative as an explanatory folktale--a story that is perhaps a
metaphorically true, but still a story that is basically fictional. GUIDELINES:
Your etiological narrative can be either a myth or a folktale. It
can recount the creation of a well-known geographical feature (Mt
Shasta, Lake Tahoe..), specific animal traits (why dogs bark, why ants
work together), taboos (why incest is wrong), customs (why people are
buried underground). Please be descriptive. You may use dialogue,
figurative language, or any other rhetorical device you wish. Try to
imagine you are a member of an ancient culture, a pre-scientific
culture, and myth is your vehicle of explanation. Indicate in the title
whether your narrative is an etiological myth or an etiological
folktale.
A FEW EXAMPLES:
Read about
how bear
lost his tail
Read about
the origin
of medicine
Read about why
the
North Star stands still
Read the Biblical
explanation of why there are many languages