What type of myth would Alexander Eliot consider the stories of Buddha's transcendence?

Alexander Eliot would classify the stories of Buddha's transcendence as sacred myths because they encompass fundamental spiritual truths and teachings central to Buddhist philosophy. Sacred myths often explore themes like enlightenment, transcending the material world, and the nature of existence, which are central to the narrative of Buddha's journey toward enlightenment. These stories serve to convey moral and spiritual lessons, presenting the transcendence of a significant figure in a manner that inspires followers and shapes religious practices.

In this context, the other categories—heroic, legendary, and folkloric—do not align as closely with the essence of Buddha's stories. Heroic myths typically focus on the deeds of heroes who face trials and challenges, while legendary myths often pertain to historical figures or events embellished over time. Folkloric stories usually revolve around common people and their adventures, often containing moral lessons but lacking the deep spiritual significance found in sacred myths. Thus, the designation of sacred for Buddha's transcendence narratives appropriately captures their profound spiritual import.