Discussion: What is your favorite myth?
Let’s discuss the deeper meaning in mythic stories
Mythologies arise from the collective unconscious, depicting archetypal dynamics in narrative and symbolic form1. Each is a revelation of the psyche’s deep structures and how we weave image and prose to explore the mysteries of reality. Our favorite mythic stories can speak to activated archetypal dynamics within, to areas of development we are tasked with and to influences central to our character.
What is your favorite mythic story, fairytale or legend? Share in the comments along with what draws you most to that story, figure or mythic system. I’ll be offering reflections on the potential meaning and themes utilizing an archetypal and symbolic perspective.
This is an open forum and communal exchange, feel free to comment on others' posts if you’re inspired or have an insight to share.
For more on the Jungian and psychological approach to mythology, see the posts tagged here.
I felt lit up when I first learnt about Artemis. The fact that she made her home in the woods and the wilderness, despite not being from there. And especially that she was a protector of young girls. There was a festival in her honour where young girls would go into the forest to dance, run and dress as bears. I grew up in a big city and was a shy and sensitive kid, so I find the idea of a wild feral girlhood and this kind of coming-of-age, confidence-building ritual very compelling!
I’m entranced by the myth of Sedna… the patriarchal elements of cruelty and betrayal, the welcoming embrace of the healing Neptunian waters, the world of non-human care and comfort. It’s a story of loss, resurrection and sovereignty. It’s a story of finding one’s true identity and place, of belonging. I love this myth. It’s prominent in my natal chart and in my heart. It speaks directly to so many elements of my personal life.