Archetypes and Mythology. Why They Matter Even More So Today | Kristina Dryza | TEDxKaunas

The word 'myth' is often associated with lies and falsehood, but classical and ancient mythology have transformative aspects that are worth exploring.

Mythological stories are more relevant than ever, offering guidance in times of struggle and uncertainty. While we seek normative science and data, myths connect us to the sacred dimensions of life and hold deeper truths that science cannot reach. Myths describe our personal and societal unconscious processes, linking our inner and outer worlds through metaphorically meaningful stories.

Myths are not just stories, they are inner chronicles that shape our perception and understanding of the world. Understanding myths allows us to recognize eternal truths incarnated in stories and gain insight into our own psyche.

Exploring the deeper archetypal patterns in myths allows us to connect with something larger than our everyday selves. Myths provide a cradle for viewing life as a divine drama, offering context and wisdom beyond personal narratives. The Greek myth of Persephone and Hades illustrates the human condition in a way that modern life cannot.

The Myth of Persephone Persephone, daughter of Zeus and Demeter, is abducted by Hades and taken to the underworld. This leads to a terrible famine on earth until Zeus orders Hades to let her go. However, as she ate pomegranate seeds in the underworld, it was agreed that she would spend part of the year with Hades as his queen.

Journey into the Underworld The myth serves as an allegory for descent into unconsciousness and depths of psyche. It represents confronting death, shattered expectations, identity disintegration, despair,and depression - all leading towards transformation through dwelling in mysteries rather than avoiding them.

The underworld demands sacrifice for growth, asking us to release linear consciousness and Western cultural values. It teaches us to respect the cyclical nature of life, including decay and darkness. By embracing uncertainty and both/and thinking, we can move from fear to confidence.

We can exist in both worlds, and our descent into the interior life enriches our exterior life. Authentic transformation comes from time spent in the underworld, where we learn to balance chaos and order, appreciate disintegration as much as growth, and revere both light and shadow. Myths help us understand shared humanity and navigate ourselves through a map of psyche.