Myths are about answering questions. That's what I have taken from my few class periods of Mythology. A myth can find a way to cover every who, what, when, where, why and how that ever existed. This fact reminds me of a toddler asking questions. A small child that learns the word, "why" will not stop using it until they are satisfied, which is almost never. Straight forward answers to a small child can lead to a much longer and more aggressive conversation than necessary. For example:
Mom: Come on Junior. Go get in the car.
Junior: Why?
Mom: Because we need to go to the store.
Junior: Why?
Mom: Because we need to get some milk.
Junior: Why?
Mom: Because we are out. (starting to get frustrated)
Junior: Why?
Mom: Because we drank all of it.
Junior: Why?
Mom: Because we like it and use it in a lot of things. (Getting immensely frustrated)
Junior: Why?
Mom: Because it tastes good.
Junior: Why?
Mom: Because I said so now get in the car or I will have to drag you! (Pissed)
Junior: ......... Why?
Mom: (Kills Junior in a fit of psychotic rage)
Now this situation could have easily been avoided by a little white lie, or a small myth if you will. Here is an example of such:
Mom: Come on Junior. Go get in the car.
Junior: Why?
Mom: Because if you don't the giant three-eyed monster that is in charge of punishing little boys will crawl out from under the house and pull off all your toes and fingers and eat them.
Junior: Ok I'm getting in the car!!!!
Mom: That's my boy. (Satisfied)
This is probably not the best comparison but it does somewhat illustrate why we have myths. We have them so that people will stop asking, "why."
