I had wondered if its possible that the concept of myths are an only "European" phenomena?
Are there books in other languages written by other cultures that have the concept of myth built into them? In western culture, there is(well I think so), a place for once believed facts, for example the fact that unicorns, leprechauns and dragons are not 'real'. It's cutesy romanticizing an awful time in the darker times of humanity.
See its easy to prove that a + b + c prove d but its not so easy to prove that a + b + c disprove d.
It seems our greyhound mad man had probably read an article, in the newspapers he delivers which were written not in his language on the subject of wendigo. Its a Canadian myth of possession where cannibalism is a predominant feature in the story
Its oddly similar to the really bad decision made on the bus.
Also supporting this, I had read somewhere, that there was some survey that asserts some really high number of middle eastern population believe in Genies. Think Aladdin.
I think its possible that social pressures and civic expectations cause people to internalize myths. Not fulfilled at work, life, relationships or whatever, one then needs change or an outlet. Have a few less dogs barking doesn't hurt or being undereducated might reaffirm these 'facts'.
Similarities to the Indian rope trick also come into play.
Is one aspect of culture: the degrees of belief and policy, norms and or folkways of myths?
Or maybe my line of thinking might be just another myth.
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