are presented (unlike fables) as something that actually happened
set in the past
the content of some myths is based on real events and places that may have existed
Myths are often much longer texts than other traditional stories
Opposites occur frequently in myths as themes, including:
good and evil;
night and day;
calm and storm;
wise and foolish;
old and young;
beautiful and ugly;
mean and generous;
just and unjust.
Like other traditional stories, myths use quests, journeys and trials as themes. The hero or heroine often has to undergo some kind of test (the trials of Hercules) or set off on a long and difficult journey where dangers arise at each stage (the Odyssey).
incredible or miraculous events
Myths explain why the world is the way it is
Characters typical of traditional stories appear in myths (talking animals, rich kings, foolish young men, clever villains) although the ‘trickster’ character is often a mischievous god (Loki, for example).
