Why are myths obsolete?

Answer 1

I don't agree that myths are obsolete. Every culture has its myths. These are the stories that are passed down from generation to generation. Even in America, there are myths about George Washington and other great historical figures; these stories are not necessarily true (there is no evidence in Washington's writings about chopping down a cherry tree and then saying he could not tell a lie, for example), but they fit in with the cultural beliefs about our heroes. There are certainly many religious myths that are popular, and there are also political myths. In fact, throughout recorded history, legends about certain important events developed, and many have survived; you may also have heard about "urban legends," which use story-telling to warn us of impending danger (most of the time, these stories are false, but they seem to strike a chord in some people).

Even in our modern age, with the availability of fact-checking and 24/7 communication via the internet, that has not stopped myths from being a part of daily life. The wise person can separate myth from fact, but not everyone is sufficiently skeptical, which is why websites like snopes.com have emerged, to let people know which of the chain e-mails they receive are true, and which are exaggerated or totally false. So, given the popularity of certain stories and legends, I cannot agree that myths are obsolete.

Myths that are disproved by truth are obsolete. Your comment about the fact that myths continue to this day and age speaks of our desire and deep seated belief that something more "powerful" than "truth" exists. It is sad that myths can contribute to the "dumbing down" of a people.

In summary, in modern parlence the term "myth" is not obsolete at all. It is still a viable way to catagorize statements and/or ideas that can be verified as a myth with a good deal of truth in it as example or just the opposite.

Answer 2

Myths are not necessarily obsolete; they continue to hold cultural, historical, and symbolic significance for societies around the world. While some myths may no longer hold literal truth in a scientific sense, they often convey timeless moral lessons, explore human nature, and offer insights into the human experience. Myths also play a role in shaping identity and providing a sense of connection to the past.