Myths of Origin and Their Cultural Implications in the Tigania Community of Meru County

Abstract

This study seeks to examine mythology in six selected myths of origin from the Tigania community of Meru County. Myths of origin in this study refer to all kinds of prose narratives including ordinary animal tales and stories of people. These tales are sacred and religious in nature while mythical characters are believed to be characters or beings that once lived when gods used to live on earth. Mythical characters are regarded as half men and half gods who would also be heroic in nature or founders of the tribes from which they hailed. The study aimed at examining the major tenets of myths, evaluating how characterization and stylistic aspects effectively communicate the notion of myths, and analyzing the relevance of myths of origin in Tigania community. The study is guided by functionalism theory, feminism theory and stylistic approach. The researcher employed a descriptive cross-sectional study approach, and data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. It was later analyzed and synthesized for presentation as a project. The findings of this study include the following: Characterisation and style have been effective in the communication of myths. Character formation and building have been enhanced by myths. Myths have also been found to be a rich repertoire of knowledge at the same time enhancing the community‟s religion and culture. Myths of origin have further enhanced cohesion, integration and social stability in the community. This study recommends another study on the future of myths of origin and a comparative study to shed light on how these myths of origin differ from other myths. It is also recommended that a study be carried out to explore how oral literature in general could be useful in confronting issues affecting communities in the 21st century.