FFC
Presenter(s): Kade Stockbridge
Advisor(s): Dr. Eileen Jankowski
The collection of short stories originally titled 'One Thousand and One Nights' in English continues to permeate the world's cultures long after its assumed 9th-century creation. 'Arabian Nights', or simply 'Nights', starts with Scheherazade volunteering to marry the murderous Sultan. Each night, she tells him an intriguing tale and ends on a cliff-hanger, compelling the wife-killer to spare her another day. Scheherazade uses her extra nights to finish the previous stories and begin another — eventually guaranteeing her survival when she gains the love and trust of the Sultan. Although the collection is folklore, aiming to preserve Arabic culture, the time capsule's framing story of Scheherazade behaves like a myth — explaining why we weave stories. They are crucial to our survival. We use descriptive, humorous, and thrilling storytelling to pass down knowledge effectively and persuade. The conquering Middle Eastern empires of the time needed stories to ensure the survival of their ideas and traditions — and to invade culturally. Both the Greeks and Egyptians noticed the power and importance of alluring language. Hermes, the Greek god of speech, and Thoth, the Egyptian god of language, both held positions in their respective ethereal councils. Alongside the importance of language, the Greeks also acknowledged the strength of language when Hermes weaponized Pandora with speech in Hesiod's Works and Days and Theogony. Human's infatuation with storytelling is evident in mythological motifs and the countless interpretations of 'Nights' — or 'Arabian Nights'... or 'One Thousand and One Nights'. Scheherazade's stories now share modern messages and are told in today's vernacular, keeping us engaged and the 9th-century Arabic culture alive. 'One Thousand and One Nights' and its longevity exemplifies the power of crafted language.
Power of Myth: A Comparison of Greek Goddess Athena and Egyptian Goddess Isis
Presenter(s): Lilly Anderson
Advisor(s): Dr. Eileen Jankowski
Myths hold a captivating hold on the cultivation of cultures, and it’s people. Mythological figures have the power to influence the narrative of a civilization and serve as answers, whether to explain natural phenomenons, provide entertainment, or serve as moral examples; myths have proven to be timeless forms of communication. My thesis will explore the influence and validity of myths, while also examining the commonality in the theme displayed between two specific legends: the Greek goddess Athena and the Egyptian goddess Isis. In Greek mythology, Athena emerges from the head of Zeus, fully grown ready for battle, revered for her strength, wisdom, and strategy; Athena’s tales of heroism prove to be influential. Similarly, Isis holds strong links with Egyptian kinship, celebrated for her abilities as a healer, a mother, and as a role model for women. The goddess, Isis, is one of the most powerful and oldest divinities within Egyptian culture, known as the goddess of children and priests. Athena and Isis, are often depicted as courageous, wise, and beautiful mythological figures and stand as leaders for their respective cultures. Through the comparison of tales, depictions, and symbolic meanings of these two goddesses, I will examine why these figures can withstand time and constantly reinvent within modern cultures.