Journeyman Research in Mythology

Now that you have finished up the Journeyman Core Lessons in Storytelling, it's time to spread your wings a little bit with a series of exploratory exercises designed for you to explore an area of world mythology in great detail. The bulk of the research you complete here will be used to support your final research paper at the Master Level, so be methodical when you're researching. Also, have fun. These lessons are driven by your personal interests. Take advantage of that and go as far as the road will take you in discovering all that you can about your area of mythology!

We're going to kick these lessons off with the way many great adventures begin, by choosing your own way. The Apprentice Core Lessons in Mythology gave you the various tools to read and analyze myths, as well as an exposure to some major world myths. With these tools, pick the an area of mythology that interests you. Do you appreciate the mythology associated with your ancestors and would like to know more? Is there a fictional universe that has a clearly established mythology that you find yourself identifying with? Listen to what is calling out to you and run with it. Consider these and when your ready, it's time to choose your focus.


After you have decided what you want to explore further, answer the following questions in your journal:

- What did you choose to explore?
- Why did you choose this area to explore?
- What are some highlights of this area of mythology that you already know?
- What do you want to explore further?

So begins your journey. Good luck!

With your area of mythology picked, spend some time researching your topic. Ideally, you spend at least 6 months with it. Post an update in your journal weekly highlighting areas that you have explored and things that you have learned. At the end of your period of research, you'll develop a thesis for your Master Research Paper and Presentation that you will present to your mentor.

Things to consider when you're researching:

- Who are part of the pantheon for your particular mythology?
- What are some of their most famous myths and why are they famous?
- What archetypes are present in these myths?
- What major themes run throughout?
- Did they inspire any other myths or literature?
- Have they had any impact on our modern mythology?

If you have any questions, make contact with your mentor.

It's time to share some of what you have learned! Complete the following essays related to your research. Essays should be 500 to 1000 words minimum. Don't forget to cite your sources.


1) What pantheon is associated with your mythology? Who is the head god or goddess. What are the attributes associated with some of the major deities?

2) Of these, which of the deities do you most identity with? Why?

3) What do you think is the most important myth associated with your mythology? Why do you think it is?

4) Describe the major archetypal characters in your mythology.

5) What are some of the major themes that run throughout your myths?

6) Has your mythology influenced other mythologies? What about modern storytelling? Share any connections that you have made in your research.

Reflect back on what you have learned throughout this set journeyman lessons. Do you think myths continue to be an important part of our shared human experience? Why or why not? What are some of the most important takeaways you have from your research? How have these lessons helped you grow as a person? How do you think you'll be able to take what you've learned here and apply it to our service aspect in the Order? Make an entry in your journal.

You have come to the end of your Journeyman Research Phase. Congratulations! It is now time to share your thesis for your Master Research Paper with your mentor and gather any additional resources for your project before moving on. Moving on to the Master Level is at the discretion of your mentor. If your mentor feels that more research is needed, they may assign additional assignments for you to complete.