In the ongoing conversation between science and religion, myth holds a powerful and often misinterpreted role. 

While scientific theories, such as Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" from 1859, have transformed our understanding of humankind's beginnings, mythic stories—especially those rooted in religious beliefs—continue to influence our cultural and existential perspectives. 

This dynamic isn't just about knowledge; it's a profound philosophical issue that illustrates different ways of perceiving and appreciating human existence.

As Mircea Eliade pointed out in "The Myth of the Eternal Return" published in 1954, myths aren't primitive scientific attempts; they are sacred narratives that convey deep truths about being. 
Eliade argued that myths explain how reality came to be and provide frameworks for human conduct and meaning. Therefore, myths are not invalidated by scientific investigation; instead, they function in a symbolic realm that science may not be able to fully explore.

The Enlightenment, with its emphasis on reason and empirical evidence, led thinkers like Immanuel Kant and David Hume to reassess religious texts as historical documents rather than divine insights. 

However, even Kant, in his work "Religion within the Bounds of Bare Reason" from 1793, recognised the moral significance of religious myths, suggesting that they hold symbolic value that can aid ethical growth. 

Likewise, Paul Ricoeur, in "The Symbolism of Evil" from 1967, proposed that myths convey “truths told in symbolic language” rather than lies, revealing profound aspects of human suffering and hope.

While the modern scientific perspective is crucial for advancements in technology and medicine, it often struggles to address deeper existential questions. 

Stephen Jay Gould's idea of “non-overlapping magisteria,” introduced in 1997, suggests that science and religion belong to separate realms: science deals with observable facts, while religion grapples with moral significance. This concept provides a framework for both evolutionary theories and mythological creation stories to coexist without undermining each other's claims to truth.

In a world where exhibits may suggest that humans and dinosaurs lived together, the task isn't to mock myths but to appreciate their purpose. Myths are not challengers to science; they are allies in the human quest for meaning. 
Karen Armstrong notes in "A Short History of Myth" from 2005 that “myth is about the unknown; it addresses what we initially cannot articulate.”

To categorise myth as mere fiction overlooks its vital role in shaping identity, ethics, and cosmology. In the 21st century, an open-minded engagement with both science and myth enriches our understanding of our place in the cosmos.