Myth, legend and folktale
BT BW BB BS DT GA PA BC BP BDT BJ BY
Neil Courtney
Subject value of 1.0 (6 points) * Second semester * 3 hours per week (1-hour lecture, 2 hours tutorial) * Gippsland/Distance * Prerequisites: GSC1401 and GSC1402 or equivalents
This subject concentrates on four major traditions: Aboriginal, Greek, Norse and Arthurian. It begins by considering what distinguishes myth, legend and folktale as special kinds of story and how they relate to each other. The emphasis throughout will be on literary representation, but the subject will also be studied in its relationship to history, religion, ritual and oral tradition. Particular attention will be given to the following general themes: creation, the quest, nature and culture, male and female, death and rebirth. An optional strand in the subject will allow students to make a comparative study of selected stories from the older texts and modern versions written for children.
Assessment
Essay (2500 words): 50% * Examination (3 hours): 50%
Prescribed texts
(a) Core texts
Robinson R (ed.) Aboriginal myths and legends Sun Books, 1966 (Extracts to be supplied)
Homer The Odyssey rev. edn, Penguin, 1991
Sturluson S The prose Edda U California P, 1964
Gantz J (tr.) The Mabinogion Penguin, 1976
Malory T King Arthur and his Knights ed. E Vinaver, OUP, 1975
(b) Versions for children
Most of these texts are cheap and easily available, but for students interested in this area there is a wide range of suitable alternative texts in children's bookshops, and in the university library.
Crossley-Holland K The Faber book of northern legends Faber, 1977
Lines K The Faber book of Greek legends Faber, 1973
Morgan S The flying emu Viking, 1992
or
Garner A The owl service Collins/Armada, 1973
Green R L Myths of the Norsemen Puffin, 1970
Green R L King Arthur and his knights of the round table Penguin, 1970