1. which myths and legends are common to many cultures? . 2. how do historical linguists trace a legend back to its roots? . 3. what are common mythemes in myths and legends? . 4. what themes do sacred myths often have in common? . 5. what are some of the shared symbols of sacred mythology? .

1. Creation stories are the myths and legends common to many cultures. They explain how the world, or a single nation, or even a particular human came to life. Also, lost cities, mythical creatures, and sacred objects.
2. Historical linguists trace a legend back to its roots by tracing its language to a common ancestor. 
3. Common muthemes in myths and legends are a supreme being, creation, apocalypse, judgment, life after death, and good vs. evil.
4. The themes that sacred myths often have in common are the theme of right vs. wrong.
5. Some of the shared symbols of sacred mythology are color, creature, character, and/or a physical object.