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b-hebrew - Re: [b-hebrew] Myth and Legend (was Genesis 30:20-30)

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  • From: George Athas <George.Athas AT moore.edu.au>
  • To: B-Hebrew <b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [b-hebrew] Myth and Legend (was Genesis 30:20-30)
  • Date: Mon, 17 May 2010 10:31:03 +1000

My definitions of the genres are:

Myth: A story that takes place without any real time markers, and so can be
deemed 'timeless' or 'primordial'. The characters are, therefore, almost
always gods.

Legend: A story located within time with predominantly human protagonists. It
possibly derives from an actual historical event, but need not do so. In any
case, the story has accumulated many extra features throughout its
transmission so that the narrative becomes 'larger than life' as it were.
These features include such things as supernatural events, superhuman feats,
subplots, etc.

Oh, and Kevin, you make a very good point.

GEORGE ATHAS
Moore Theological College (Sydney, Australia)
www.moore.edu.au





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