Cosmos out of chaos - a theory developing study on naturalising power and myth with illustrations from Russia

Sammanfattning: Myth. Although the word is part of every-day life, it is more often than not used as synonymous to an amusing tale, or, worse yet, a lie. This thesis explores another, perhaps deeper, aspect of myth ? myth as a shaper of desires and a definer of society. The main active component in this function is a covert power, here named the naturalising power. It's strength lies in its ability to make appear natural that which may not be so. The concept of naturalising power is based on the works of Steven Lukes and his theories on the three dimensional power, which are based on non-conflict and focus on inaction rather than action. Power, in this sense, does not seek to overcome or prevail in situations of conflicts, but rather to avert such conflicts from arising in the first place by controlling man's perception of ?the normal?. The thesis explores this covert power in myth and, furthermore,how myth can determine what is considered ?natural? and thereby immune from questioning. The two myths of ?fear? and ?the chosen ones? are used to illustrate the naturalising power of myths, with examples taken from the giant in the east ? Russia.