The comparison is implied, not indicated as with similes.
A word or phrase denoting one kind of object is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them. 'Metaphor (from the Greek metapherein, meaning 'transference') is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is used to describe something it does not literally denote' (McGlone 2007:109). The paper concludes with an example of metaphoric interpretation of myths, by identifying root metaphors structuring a symbolic universe as a framework for the interpretation of mythical narratives. The essence of metaphor and myth will be investigated to determine the viability of interpreting myth as metaphor. This article proposes such an answer to Jung's challenge by interpreting myth as metaphor. This is the challenge as I understand it, which Jung has put to modern Christianity. Society's, and in this case, specifically the Church's need for myth, necessitates the interpretation of ancient New Testament myths in such a way that it weaves a new or evolved, existentially meaningful symbolic universe. As such, they are part of a culture's Weltanschauung and Selbstverstandnis (Heidegger 1996:49-58) 2 or 'symbolic universe' (the term sociology of knowledge prefers) and without which no society can survive as it legitimises and explains societal norms, institutions and functions (Berger & Luckmann ( 1975:113-120). Examples of Kleinliteratur 1are proverbial sayings, anecdotes, heroic legends, fairy tales, and folksong (Bultmann 1963:6-7), transmitted from one generation of a culture to the next, developing new motifs and variants in a way reminiscent of stalactite formation (Kundera 1992:140-141). Mythical narratives evolve in a natural way as part of folklore (Kleinliteratur) and are not the literary product of individuals (Van Aarde 2003:245). Myth refers to the narrative threads from which a culture's mythology (a mythical worldview as a frame of reference) is woven (Malan 2015:1-2) and, thus, myth cannot be separated from it. Jung's criticism underlines the human need for myth.
#Metaphoric unity definition update#
Finally, a non-mythical symbolic universe structured by root-metaphors is suggested as a framework for the existential interpretation of mythical concepts in the New Testament.Īccording to Carl Jung, modern Christianity has failed to update its myths and erred in updating itself by eliminating myth (Segal 1998:37) implying possible future self-elimination. Various definitions of metaphor and myth, and theories for their interpretation are discussed, with focus on their relationship to symbolic universes. The study investigates the possibility of interpreting myths as metaphors, thus, in a non-literal way.
#Metaphoric unity definition how to#
Answering the question about how to interpret myths without eliminating them or their intended effect is the object of this paper. Myths should be interpreted, not eliminated. Modern Christianity has failed to update its myths and has even eliminated them, thus, excluding the metaphysical experience indispensable to religion (Jung). Department New Testament Studies, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
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