Assignment 5: American Mythology

When the term "mythology" is referenced it means a collection of myths associated or having come from a certain group of people (ie. geographical, cultural, religious, etc.). Webster's Dictionary states that a myth is "a traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events". America is not the first place the mind associates with “mythology”, usually one would remember the Greek and Roman gods, Norse and Egyptians as well. The creatures of Northern Europe, hybrids and monsters. Tales from times far from today. America’s history is new, young compared to the rest of the world. But we still have plenty of myths, Bloody Mary, Bigfoot, Native American Tales, Paul Bunyan’s big blue ox. Area 41 and ghosts however, are real. But what about the cowboys? What makes these iconic parts of American history culture “mythological”? Cowboys probably sit more on the “tale tale” side of things, because they lack that element of the supernatural. However the term is not ill-fitting, the tales of the Wild Wild West and the cowboys that resided in it were defiantely hyperboles that had a significant impact on American culture, usually amplifying happenings of events and certain people's’ personalities.

True Grit (2010) directed by the Coen Brothers and True Grit (1969) directed by Henry Hathaway both create a beautifully crafted window into the historical/mythical hybrid that was the wild west. Full of cowboys, harlots, injins, guns, booze, sex, dirt, poop, revenge, dirt, and my favorite all the horseys. The elements that keep the story “mythical” include things such as, revenge, heroism, and sacrifice. The main plot revolves around Mattie's plan to avenge her father's death to get revenge. One could argue that all of the main characters had heroic moments, but it quite obvious that Mattie is a tragic hero. Even though she gets her revenge, she loses her left arm. This annihilates any hope of living a normal life (given the time period). It could be said that she even sacrificed herself for her father.