The influence of legends and myths on contemporary culture and education

Abstract

In the past, humankind created stories to explain known and unknown events, giving rise to myths and legends that attributed truth to unexplained phenomena of that time. These stories were passed down through generations orally, remaining alive in people’s imagination and acquiring deeper meanings. This research aims to analyze the influence of legends and myths on contemporary culture and education, investigating their impact on both cultural and educational aspects of present-day society. The justification for this study lies in the importance of understanding legends and myths as cultural and educational elements that have transmitted values, knowledge, and shaped individual and collective identities throughout history. Understanding this influence is crucial for appreciating and preserving our cultural heritage and harnessing the pedagogical potential of these narratives in modern education. The research problem consists of examining how legends and myths still exert influence on current culture and education, considering technological advancements and social changes. The study seeks to understand whether these traditional narratives still play a relevant role in cultural and educational formation or if they have been marginalized amidst new forms of communication and knowledge. The methodology employed encompasses a qualitative approach, involving analysis of bibliographic sources, historical documents, case studies, interviews, and content analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of the influence of legends and myths on contemporary culture and education.

Keywords: Legends. Myths. Education. Folklore. Culture.