Week 10: Story Lab: CrashCourse Mythology Part 2

This CrashCourse video on Mythology began with a definition for myths, calling them "primitive explanations of the natural world". This idea was put forth by Greek thinker, Euhemerus, who thought myths to be from primitive ancestors who had no science, advanced intelligence, etc. As an example of these beliefs, Euhemerus believed that Zeus was just an ordinary king from a long time ago; but as time progressed, Zeus's deeds and abilities were fantasized and exaggerated to the degree that they are at today. I think this to be a fair stance to have towards myths. My position on/view of myths is pretty similar to that of Euhemerus.

However, certain Roman thinkers took the idea even further to say that myths were the workings of Satan and that they served to lay the foundation for Jesus Christ's arrival. I would have to say I can see why the Roman thinkers of their time would have thought that. However, at what point do you call a myth just a story, and nothing more? I think it's unfair to give myths an unfair light such as this, as I doubt their intentions were to deceive or mislead people. It's not like myths and the people who thought them up are trying to shove their views down our throats as an attempt to convert us...at least I would think not.

Bibliography:
CrashCourse, Theories of Myth: Crash Course World Mythology #12, Source

Do you agree with Euhemerus's perspective on the likes of Zeus? Source