Myth and music as a structuring component of cultures

In this work, myth and music are fundamentally considered as a single entity. Myth is the basis for the formation and development of music. Music is a means of expression and transformation of myth. It is an integral part of human life, a specific form of world perception and understanding. Their interconnection and unity contribute to constant dynamic transformations and enrichment of culture. Myth and music are directly related to suggestive and manipulative technologies. Dominating the realm of the irrational, they appeal to the deepest factors of the human psyche, have an archetypal basis, and ideologically and emotionally determine the worldview and behavior of individuals and society. The study identifies three main stratagems of suggestive and manipulative influence: contrast (binary archetypal opposition), repetition (variability of the archetypal model), and appeal to emotions (universality and immediacy). The creative, philosophical, theoretical, and musical-practical legacy of R. Wagner is used as illustrative material, opening up new facets and perspectives for further research into the problem of mass consciousness manipulation.