Question 10 of 10 What is one distinguishing characteristic of a myth? A. An explanation of the world’s origins B. Rising action, a climax, and a conclusion C. A set of laws that can help people keep order D. Questions that encourage further thought SUBMIT
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: A. An explanation of the world’s origins
Explanation
One distinguishing characteristic of a myth is that it explains the origins of the world, humanity, or natural phenomena. Myths are traditional stories that cultures use to make sense of the mysteries of life and the universe. They are not merely entertainment; they often serve deep cultural, religious, and philosophical purposes.
Origin myths, also known as cosmogonic myths, are particularly common across all civilizations. These stories attempt to answer fundamental questions such as: Where did we come from? How was the world created? What is the origin of life, death, or natural events like storms or seasons? For example, in Greek mythology, the world begins with Chaos, from which all other elements emerge. In many Indigenous cultures, creation myths involve animals, spirits, or natural elements playing a role in forming the earth and life.
Unlike fairy tales or fables, myths are often regarded as sacred truths within their cultures. They typically involve gods, supernatural beings, and heroes, and are set in a time before recorded history. They are passed down orally from generation to generation and form part of a community’s shared identity and worldview.
Let’s briefly examine why the other options are incorrect:
- B. Rising action, a climax, and a conclusion are elements of narrative structure that appear in many types of literature (like novels and plays) but are not unique to myths.
- C. A set of laws that can help people keep order refers more to legal codes or moral guidelines (e.g., religious texts or constitutions) than to myths.
- D. Questions that encourage further thought may apply to philosophy or parables but are not a defining trait of myths.
Thus, Option A is the best answer because myths are fundamentally stories that explain the unexplainable, especially regarding the origins of the world and life.
