Which myths and legends are common to many cultures? how do historical linguists trace a legend back to its roots? what are common mythemes in myths and legends? what themes do sacred myths often have in common? what are some of the shared symbols of sacred mythology? critical thinking questions what conclusions can you draw from the many themes shared by sacred myths? what evidence is there that the myths of a world flood may be based on a historic event? why is comparative mythology important to the study of myths? the cultural anthropologist dr. jamie tehrani traced the story of little red riding hood back to a common ancestor over 2,600 years old. why do you think the structure stayed the same even though he found so many variations and differences in story elements? evil is often described in myths as entering the world after creation rather than being a part of it. why do you think evil is not portrayed as an original part of creation?