Abstract

Identifying cultural codes in mythology aims to uncover the underlying layers of meaning hidden beneath the text. Based on the surveyed corpus, this paper addresses several aspects of mythology such as characters, plots, and motifs… These are fundamental narrative elements of mythology, and simultaneously crucial dimensions that contain and manifest cultural codes. Through these elements, mythology not only reflects the primitive worldview but also preserves the community's conceptions and life experiences. This paper preliminarily identifies several typical cultural codes in mythology, including symbolic codes, belief codes, ritual codes, and customary codes. These cultural codes are not expressed directly in the narratives but are indirectly reconstructed through the system of imagery and language, thereby possessing the capacity to crystallize and articulate the distinctive cultural values of the community.

Keywords: Cultural codes, folklore, mythology, narrative elements, symbols.