“Wherever the poetry of myth is interpreted as biography, history, or science, it is killed.”
-- Joseph Campbell
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Yep! The purpose of the poetry in myth is to engage the mind in something that is not explained any other way. It can illustrate points that are often difficult to understand in the cut and dry history of the ages. We can learn from history too, but poetry and myth can take that understanding a different perspective, sometimes a more timeless understanding. The myth is a helpful tool in a greater understanding that simple reality.
Myths are more helpful to humanity when taken in a literary sense, rather than a literal sense. Taking them literally removes the purpose of the story.
Very well said. I love myths in their literary sense. Thus my moniker Beowulfsfriend.