“Myths to Die By?”

Abstract

This article critically engages René Girard’s approach to myth by reference to the Diné (Navajo) creation story (Diné bahane’). According to Girard all myths conceal real events of violence that have been concealed during the centuries of their recounting. Closer analysis reveals that Girard’s approach is one-sidedly pejorative in his hermeneutics of myth. By contrast, the Diné hold their creation story to be a sacred account of their origins and as such it is foundational to their traditional way of life. Prima facie, while certain themes in their sacred story may seem to corroborate Girard’s hermeneutics of myth, a closer examination of the anomalies raises critical questions about Girard’s assumptions, especially with respect to aboriginal creation stories and reveals a further need to clarify the legitimate place for positive and pejorative approaches to myth.