Myth as a Hope for Renewal inThe Strong BreedandBuried Child

Abstract

This research study basically analyzes the mythical elements in Wole Soyinka's one-act playThe Strong BreedandSam Shepard's three act playBuried ChildSoyinka and Shepard have employed the Yoruba myth and vegetation myth of Corn-King respectively in their plays, that hope for renewal of community and land. The main aim is to show the capacity of renewal and regeneration in African and American societies. This study attempts to show how sacrifice of human beings as an Oluwo leads to renewal of society inThe Strong Breedand how the transmission of spirit of old Corn-King to the new successor leads to renewal of land inBuried Child.