A mythological order is a system of images that gives consciousness a sense of meaning in existence, which, my dear friend, has no meaning–it simply is. But the mind goes asking for meanings; it can’t play unless it knows (or makes up) some system of rules.Mythologies present games to play: how to make believe you’re doing thus and so. Ultimately, through the game, you experience a positive thing which is the experience of being-in-being, of living meaningfully. That’s the first function of mythology, to evoke in the individual a sense of grateful, affirmative offer before the monstrous mystery that is existence.
Joseph Campbell (Pathways to Bliss, 6)
