Abstract
This paper will deal with the relation between myth and stories by focusing on some of the ways in which myth is used within stories. I will argue that myth makes truth–claims. The way these truth–claims are understood, that is literal or symbolic, informs the use of myth within stories. If one understands myth to make literal truth–claims it functions as a social charter. On the other hand, if myth makes symbolic truth–claims it can be used to evoke a sensation, and thereby point to an experience in this world. I will demonstrate that myth within stories makes literal truth–claims for the characters but symbolic ones for the reader.
From the readers perceptive, myth in stories is not used to regulate or transform society, instead, myth captures in one image what “it feels like”. This image transgresses the use of
usual language, and makes one “see” the meaning. To illustrate this argument I believe that the use of H.P. Lovecraft as a case study is worthwhile in helping to shed light on the reason
why some stories have mythical elements. Moreover, Lovecraft, as a contemporary example of myth–making, reinforces the idea that as long as there is a human need felt to express a sensation, myth is a way to express that meaning when ordinary language fails.
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