author: Viktor Vashkevich
Urgency of the research. The study addresses the fundamental role of ancient mythology as a cornerstone of cultural heritage and intellectual tradition. Ancient myths shaped the philosophical, ethical, and societal frameworks of civilizations and continue to resonate within contemporary philosophical and cultural discourses. The research highlights the multidisciplinary interest in mythology across ethnology, philosophy, cultural studies, and social psychology, stressing the importance of myth in deciphering collective human consciousness and existential inquiry. Its relevance extends beyond historical narrative, providing essential insights into the human condition that transcend temporal boundaries.
Target setting. The article is anchored in a philosophical examination of ancient mythology, focusing on how myths functioned as profound cultural narratives that not only constructed societal identities but also articulated universal human experiences, ethics, and cosmological frameworks. The author seeks to demonstrate that these mythological frameworks still hold considerable relevance in modern thought, serving as a foundational structure for current ethical, philosophical, and cultural debates. This includes an exploration of how myths operate as symbolic and metaphysical systems that continue to inform contemporary intellectual discourse.
Actual scientific researches and issues analysis. The research integrates diverse scholarly perspectives, examining the contributions of key figures such as J.-P. Vernant, K. Kerényi, and E. Cassirer, who view myth as a structural, cosmological, and philosophical entity. These studies highlight myth’s function as a symbolic medium for articulating societal norms and metaphysical realities. Cassirer’s work, for instance, emphasizes myth as a mode of understanding that operates independently of scientific rationalism, providing a cultural and intellectual foundation for metaphysical thought. The analysis of Lévi-Strauss reveals myth as a symbolic system that articulates deep-rooted cultural tensions and contradictions, while M. Eliade and H.-G. Gadamer’s hermeneutic approaches uncover the sacred and existential dimensions of myth.
The research objective. The objective of this study is to engage in a deep philosophical analysis of ancient mythology, examining its influence on the construction of both historical and contemporary cultural identities, societal structures, and philosophical thought. It seeks to illuminate how myths function as complex expressions of human consciousness, offering insights into ethical, metaphysical, and existential issues. By doing so, the research emphasizes the role of myths as enduring cultural and intellectual mechanisms that address fundamental human concerns across time.
The statement of basic materials. The research employs a hermeneutic approach, analyzing primary texts such as The Iliad, The Odyssey, and Hesiod’s Theogony. Rather than focusing solely on the narrative content of these texts, the study delves into their symbolic meanings and philosophical implications. By situating these myths within their broader cultural and historical contexts, the research explores how they transmitted ethical values, explained natural phenomena, and provided a cosmological framework for ancient societies. Secondary literature from the fields of philosophy, anthropology, and literary studies complements the primary analysis, offering theoretical frameworks that enhance the understanding of the deeper philosophical dimensions of mythology.
Conclusions. The article concludes that myths serve as more than mere historical or cultural stories; they are profound philosophical tools that continue to shape human understanding of existence, morality, and the cosmos. Myths provide a narrative structure through which societies articulate ethical and existential concerns, and their influence extends into modern cultural, intellectual, and philosophical discussions. The enduring relevance of myth lies in its capacity to connect ancient traditions with contemporary existential inquiries, functioning as a symbolic and philosophical bridge between past and present. The analysis further suggests that myth operates as a universal intellectual resource that addresses fundamental questions about human life, societal order, and the metaphysical foundations of existence. This relevance persists in today’s ethical and philosophical debates, demonstrating that the symbolic power of ancient mythology continues to shape modern thought and cultural identity.
Keywords: myth, ancient mythology, philosophy, world culture, cultural identity
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