Relevance of Myths to Humanity

In his book "a hero with a thousand faces" Campbell argued that myths evoke fears, contributes to social order in the society, and introduces people into the spiritual path of enlightenment as well as supporting religious cosmology. According to Joseph Campbell, the most important purpose of myths is the pedagogical purpose. The pedagogical function of myths is basically the psychological function of myths in our society. In this purpose, individuals are guided on how to live a lifetime under any circumstance. Through this way, myths cover basic human themes that never changes such as revenge and love, knowledge and lack of knowledge and even mortality and immortality. They validate and supporting varying special social orders in our communities or in certain social groups.

Myths that shape our social life are an essential background of all basic morals and codes of conduct. The significance of our community's culture is also maintained through this sociological purpose of myths. Naturally, even when we are unaware, cultural myths that enhance our social lives is always working behind our scenes. Structure of myths Joseph Campbell's “Monomyth” story or the hero's journey identified a common structure that can be used in many myths. Accepting myths uncritically without additional interpretations is misunderstanding their purpose in human life as a channel of communication. In the contemporary society, some people ridicule cultural and religious stories and term them as useless relics of our ancestors. However, myths have a significant purpose in human life.