I have always thought of mythology, religion, and ritual to all be very closely related things. Most of the myths that exist in all cultures worldwide seem to be largely based on religion. Divine entity’s and powers always seem to be showing up in these stories, gods and goddesses frequently pop up as characters in myths. Many myths also deal with a cultures traditions or rituals as well. From gatherings where these myths were told and passed down, to feasts and celebrations created from characters in myths. The men and women that populate the mythological worlds are sometimes even offspring of gods.
To me myths are an important part of our culture and world. They’ve been passed down for thousands and thousands of years, from culture to culture, and to me it’s because they teach valuable lessons to mankind. These myths are filled with lessons about individual values and warnings about certain situations. Every culture that has had any experience with mythology, then has also had an experience with religion and ritual. I most certainly believe that these three things do contribute positively to human health in an individual way and in a communal way. We have two huge rituals every year where giving is the whole idea, obviously these are Thanksgiving and Christmas (for some, most religions have a celebration where gifts are a center point). “The Hebrew Bible stresses again and again that Jaweh is the giver of all good things, giving food to all living beings, and giving progeny in particular” (Burkert 7). Thanksgiving is not really a religious event but it is about giving to others. Food drives for the poor always take place that time of year, the ritual of food giving still thrives today.
Having mythology, religion, and ritual in your life can really give you meaning in life, it can give you something to live for. These three things do contribute to a positive and healthy life. It can give people a peace of mind and a sense of understanding that perhaps we would not have otherwise.
Jared Parkin Classical Mythology 
“Ritual in your life can really you meaning in life; it can give us something to live for.” I think that this statement was particularly true for people in the past, especially in ancient times when everyday life was made physically, and thus emotionally, very difficult. Food rituals (such an animal sacrifice) were particularly important because they gave the populace much needed nourishment but also brought the community together in a significant way. Community is made particularly important in trying times and what better way to bring people together than sharing an intimate meal.
This is fairly vague and general, Jared: there is not much specific information or much clear connection to the readings.