Is it a story about gods and goddesses? Is it a flight of fancy or is it an older avatar of the fantasy genre of story telling? Can one study myth or perhaps more pertinently, should one study myth at all?
As I attended my first lecture on comparative mythology at Bombay University on Saturday, I found myself staring at many of the above questions. I don’t really have the answers to any and as the class progressed I realised that I am not really looking for them. I love stories and I am here to listen, understand, explore and write.
The class was interesting and sitting behind a desk for three hours without a break after all these years was, well a gentle reminder of how I was getting on in years. My knees crumbled and my back creaked ominously as I walked out after class. But these are minor glitches in what was an extremely enjoyable experience. Our lecturer is a storehouse of stories seemed game for new experiences and willing to answer all our questions.
My fellow course mates are an interesting bunch of people. A scientist, a sculptor, a school teacher, a historian – the mix is truly diverse. Everyone brings a unique point of view and a vast amount of knowledge to the classroom and I am just glad to be there.
