Aetiology: Any study of causes, causation, or causality, as in philosophy, biology, or physics.
An Aetiological myth is a story of why things are the way they are. They explain things in life, and nature. An example of this can be found in Hesiod's praise of the Muses. If a man is wise, or if he stands out, and is looked upon by all people, it is not by his own wisdom. It is because the Muses stand by him and favour him. This story which was believed among the Greeks explained where mortal men gained their wisdom, and is an example of an Aetiological myth.
A well-written and accurate response, Celine!
ReplyDelete