Coda

Abstract

In this brief chapter, I mention, again, that myths have a narrative structure—that is, they are composed of a sequence of events, and that narratives are one of the main ways we learn about things. The other is the logico—scientific approach. I discuss Bruno Bettelheim’s distinction between fairy tales and myths. He suggested that fairy tales are best for children and myths are bad for children but best for adults. I offer a chart comparing the two kinds of narratives. I deal with Jungian theories about the nature of heroes and their psychoanalytic significance. It is the myth of the hero, Jungians believe, that enable men to deal with “shadow” elements in their psyches and overcome the desire to remain innocent and childlike and become adults. I conclude by suggesting that myths are fictions but they deal with truths and have an impact upon us and our cultures that we often do not recognize.