In sociological terms, what function do myths serve within a religion?

Myths serve a crucial role in religion by explaining the meaning of experiences. They provide narratives that help individuals and communities make sense of their existence, their values, and the universe around them. Through these stories, myths offer insights into the nature of life, suffering, and the divine, helping followers understand their place in the world and the experiences they encounter. These explanations can be both comforting and enlightening, as they articulate complex ideas about morality, creation, and the afterlife in ways that are accessible to believers.

While other functions such as reinforcing economic practices, dictating socially acceptable behaviors, or establishing hierarchies might also occur within religious contexts, these aspects are not the primary function of myths. Myths primarily serve to provide a framework for understanding the world, thereby transcending mere social or economic structures.