Myths of Origin and Their Cultural Implications in the Tigania Community of Meru County
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Date
2019-05
Authors
Rukunga, Mwamukui Priscila,
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
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.
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts of Kenyatta University May, 2019