Philosophy of Mythology: Myths Shape Human Consciousness

Mythology is not just an ancient relic or a collection of fanciful tales. It is a dynamic, evolving process that reflects fundamental aspects of human consciousness. Myths emerge from our shared experiences, shaping how we understand ourselves, the divine, and the mysteries of existence. They provide frameworks for making sense of the unknown and offer guidance in our lives. While mythology is deeply rooted in the past, it continues to evolve, influencing modern ideologies, cultural narratives, and personal beliefs, even if we don’t always recognize it.

Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling’s Historical-Critical Introduction to the Philosophy of Mythology inspired me to see mythology not as something confined to the past but as a living process that shapes our understanding today. Schelling viewed mythology as an essential dimension of human consciousness that evolves over time, reflecting humanity’s ongoing struggle to comprehend the divine, the world, and ourselves. His perspective has greatly influenced my approach to mythology, as I believe that myths, though born in earlier stages of human development, continue to play a significant role in shaping how we perceive our place in the world.

Mythology as an Unfolding Process

Mythology, according to Schelling, is not merely a product of invention but a necessary stage in human development. Myths naturally arise from our need to understand existence and the divine, evolving as human consciousness itself grows. Rather than being fixed narratives, myths are dynamic and ever-changing, transforming with each generation. This mirrors the way consciousness evolves: as we grow, so do the stories we tell. Myths, although rooted in ancient traditions, continue to shape how we perceive the world and ourselves today. Myths continue to influence the way we view our environment, societal structures, and personal beliefs. Political ideologies, cultural movements, and personal identities often reflect mythic structures, illustrating humanity’s ongoing search for meaning. Myths are constantly reinterpreted and adapted to address contemporary struggles, offering new ways to navigate present-day challenges.

The Interconnection Between Myth and Language

A fundamental aspect of mythology is its deep connection to language. Myth and language co-evolve, with language developing alongside mythology to express complex ideas and archetypes inherent in human consciousness. Our modern language still carries traces of ancient mythic symbols and ideas. The words we use and the way we structure our thoughts are intertwined with mythic frameworks that have shaped human understanding for millennia. In this sense, language is not just a tool for communication. It is a reflection of the mythic lens through which we view the world.

The Tautegorical Nature of Mythology

Schelling critiqued both Enlightenment rationalism and Romanticism, rejecting the rationalist view of myth as childish and the Romantic view of myth as mere poetic invention. Instead, he argued that mythology is a meaningful system that reflects the evolving consciousness of humanity as it grapples with the divine and with self-understanding. One key idea Schelling introduced was “tautegory”—the concept that the mythic figures are exactly what they appear to be. Unlike allegory, where symbols represent something beyond themselves, tautegory suggests that gods in myths are not mere metaphors for abstract truths but embody those truths in tangible, living forms. Schelling’s view challenges the tendency to reduce myths to symbols for rational or moral principles, insisting that gods are real in the mythic consciousness, not abstract representations.

Morality, as a transcendental category, is deeply rooted in mythology and religion. These stories and belief systems provide the fundamental framework through which humans understand concepts of right and wrong, good and evil. They offer timeless lessons through divine figures, heroes, and cautionary tales that transcend the particularities of time and culture. Concepts like justice, compassion, and sacrifice emerge from these stories. Atheism, which often rejects any transcendent, divine authority, cannot offer such deeply ingrained moral categories, as they are inseparable from the mythological and religious narratives. The moral structures we rely on today are clearly rooted in these ancient, mythic understandings of the world, and it is through them that we have developed a shared sense of ethics that goes beyond mere reason or rationality.

Ultimately, mythology is not something to be outgrown or discarded; it is an essential part of the human experience. Myths help us understand the world around us and also the mysteries of existence, the divine, and our place in the universe. They are living, evolving forces that continue to shape our consciousness. By embracing the ongoing relevance of mythology, we gain a deeper understanding of who we are.

Header image source: Luca Giordano, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons