family myth discussion

1.A family myth is going to have the most profound meaning to someone who actually belongs to the family possessing the myth, and these myths are going to affect that person to a greater degree than other sacred narratives. In other words, family myths seem to have be much more personally directed, and as a result may be considered more important in defining the members of a specific family group.

2.Going by a typical folklorist definition of myths, it would seem appropriate that family myths be considered "true myths." They offer explanation for why a family is the way it is; and those within the family may or may not perceive these myths to be true. Sacred myths tend to have more fantastical elements, and generally apply to a broader group of people than a single family, but at the root definition of a "myth" family myths seem to fit in by my opinion.

3. Family myths create an idea of family by creating an afflicted or affected group of people. For instance, if my family had a myth that little gnomes sabatoged our optic nerves at birth and because of this we all had bad eyesight, then I would relate to those who I shared this story with (my family) and through that relation would come strong familial bonds.