Mythology (Coursework Sample)

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Mythology
Question 1
Principally, history shows that Dagda the Good is Celtic Mythology’s most prominent god, and he is considered as the leader of Irish gods’ race (Tuatha De Danann). Significantly, Dagda is considered by Irish people to be the god of treaties, earth, and magic. Moreover, he is said to be a skilled artisan and a fearsome warrior (Leeming, pg. 74). Furthermore, he is portrayed as a god who loves women and food and would go to any extent to attain the two elements that he adores most.
In essence, the creators of Dagda the Good wanted to show the real test of an individual when two things that he/she likes clash with each other and he/she has to choose one. Moreover, the myth introduces one party that pleads with Dagda to help them spy on Fomorians who the Irish were at war with and by so doing help them win the war (Rosenberg, pg. 157). However, Dagda met a woman who using her charms convinced him to ask for a truce. Furthermore, the Fomorians use their knowledge of the god’s weakness for food and feed him. Concurrently, after waking up, he demands a truce and peace is achieved between two fertile communities.
Significantly, analyzing the myth of the good god Dagda one can note that his neutrality in the matter is the fundamental concept the creators of the story wanted people to see. Moreover, throughout the story, one is told of how Dagda started as a spy for one community but in the end he ensured that all parties were happy with a peaceful environment. Furthermore, in a period of constant war the creators of the myth needed a doctrine that would keep people at peace and in good terms with their neighbors and having a god such as Dagda divide the land helps prevent the two camps from trying to overthrow each other.
Question 2
In essence, The Death of Balder is a very popular myth because it entails the demise of a god. Significantly, in an age where people believed that the gods were immortal, any point on their possible death attracts attention (Leeming, pg. 124). Moreover, the fact that such a supreme being was killed by a small creature that his mother had thought insignificant to pose a threat adds more interest to many. Furthermore, the myth encompasses acts of betrayal and discrimination that are most common to human social circles. Therefore, such concepts, when related to the gods, makes more people feel a need to identify themselves with the myth thus, adding to its popularity and fame.
In principle, man has always believed the gods to be virtues and united in their social circles. However, the myth brings a different perspective to the legend and gives people an insight to the divided world of the gods. In essence, this helps people understand more about the gods. Moreover, its sense of humor and the fact that a mighty seemingly invincible god was killed by a small, weak creature adds more taste to the myth. Significantly, this attracts one since it can be compared to modern life setting where a small thing can cause much damage, for example, the atomic bomb whose effects are still felt in Japan to this day.
Significantly, the element of humor in the Theft of Thor’s Hummer legend reveals that the creators of this myth wanted people to see that although some individuals may be endowed with strength and courage they also have a weakness (Leeming, pg. 127). Moreover, the ideology behind the humor element is to prove that one cannot be blessed with all and has to use what he/she has to make up for what the individual lacks. Furthermore, the creators of the myth may be said to be cautious and it’s from this look before you leap attitude that they showcase how the giant’s leader was punished for not being keen on details (Rosenberg, pg. 120).
Question 3
In essence, the Ragnarok tale is crucial since it postulates the idea of the end of the world of that time where the gods would meet their fate in the last battle. Significantly, the concept of Ragnarok helps many people understand that even in traditional times before modern religions such as Christianity, people believed at the end of days for the world (Leeming, pg. 110). Moreover, this idea helps people understand the ideology behind death taking refuge to the belief that even the gods will face their end during such an event. Furthermore, it is through the idea that people are warned about staying pure and morally upright for evil deeds do not go unpunished.
In principle, the idea enlightens people to note that due to the gods not honoring their promises to one another resulted to their doom. Moreover, it is only by their actions that they are destroyed by each killing the other. Concurrently, one can argue that Ragnarok brings out the fear people have for the end while at the same time helping people understand that it is not weakness to be afraid of its nature since even the mighty gods were scared straight by the impending apocalypse.
Principally, northern communities even after he rise of Christianity still kept some aspects of the Ragnarok idea in their culture. For instance, the fear of not keeping a promise has made most communities from the Northern Europe parts to honor promises since they still believe it could lead to devastating punishment. Moreover, these communities believe that even if the end comes there is hope for better future after the end as seen by the quick identify the communities try to get from the bible’s book of Revelation. Furthermore, the belief that good and evil will battle for the final time and just like the gods destroy each other leaving a world ravaged only by fire.
Question 4
In essence, King Arthur’s myth ends with a question on Arthur’s death because there exist no factual evidence of how he died. Moreover, only speculations of the wounds he received in the battle against his treacherous nephew. However, legend says that he was well treated by two maidens in Avalon thus adding more confusion to his cause of death (Leeming, pg. 165). Therefore, one can argue that the myth ends with the question about the king’s death since no one knows where nor how he died and was buried, not to mention what killed King Arthur.
In principle, the clouded mystery surrounding Arthur’s death only helps keep the myth alive while adding more hype and fame (Rosenberg, pg. 231). Significantly, due to the cause of his death remaining unknown, more people become interested in knowing about the man in the myth with others believing that he was such a great hero that he would rise again to protect the country. In essence, one can argue that the question only builds the myth and adds to it more fame since more people are drawn to the search for the cause of his death. Therefore, the mystery that surrounds King Arthur’s death only adds to the myth and legend.
Significantly, after the clash with his nephew King Arthur must have been severe wounded. Moreover, during his journey to Avalon Isle he died on the way or upon arrival but h...