What myth is thought to have influenced Western culture's negative views towards reptiles?

The myth that is believed to have significantly influenced Western culture's negative views towards reptiles is found in the Garden of Eden story. In this biblical narrative, the serpent plays a pivotal role as the tempter who leads Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, resulting in the Fall of Man. This portrayal of the serpent as a cunning and deceitful creature led to a lasting association between snakes and evil or malevolence in Western thought.

As a result, the Garden of Eden myth has had profound implications on how reptiles, particularly snakes, are perceived. The negative connotations tied to the serpent in this story have contributed to widespread fear and aversion toward reptiles, which persists in various cultural narratives and attitudes even today. This myth's enduring influence illustrates how foundational stories shape societal perceptions and can lead to stereotypes that are difficult to overcome.

In contrast, the other options do not focus primarily on reptiles or do not carry the same implications regarding their perception in Western culture. The Tale of Hercules, the Legend of King Arthur, and The Odyssey involve various heroic quests and moral lessons, but they do not specifically highlight reptiles in a way that would impact societal views similarly to the Garden of Eden myth.