About the author:
Tatyana I. Borko,
Dr. Philos. Sci., Professor, Department of Foreign Literature, Institute for the Humanities, Tyumen State University
Abstract:
Meaning by myth a way of perceiving and interpretation of the
world, the author explores ways of its transformation and suggests that the ground of
transfiguration of a myth-and-ritual core into other types of creative work (literature,
philosophy, art) implies a semiotic mechanism of loss of identity between a significant
and a signified. Realisation of a representative essence of myth characters leads
to understanding of their non-genuineness, as a result a mythological story is not
perceived literary. Mythological characters from now on do not signify themselves but
turn into signs, indicating other phenomena (they become symbols of nature powers,
atmosphere events, taking place in the sky, or may express abstract notions). Rituals —
active reproduction of mythological plots — change respectively. Firstly, participants
of action identify themselves with the characters of narration, which was supported
by various types of art (mystery drama — a play itself; music, decorations, creating
emotional atmosphere). Further on it becomes clear that a ritual performance does not
repeat a mythological event but depict it. Art, born within the frames of a ritual, which
was perceived as a complete transfiguration and identification with a mythological
character, now is realised as a copyism and imitation.
