Myth is considered to be an expression of the primordial beginnings and sources of human culture. In this respect it becomes the universal "cipher" for the deciphering of the deep essence of history, present and art. (source unknown)
Myth if Etana (around 3000 BC)
A Babylonian legend says that Etana was desperate to have a child, until one day he helped save an eagle from starving, who then took him up into the sky to find the plant of birth. This led to the birth of his son, Balih.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etana
Epic of Gilgamesh (around 2700 BC)
The first half of the story discusses Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, and Enkidu, a wild man created by the gods to stop Gilgamesh from oppressing the people of Uruk. In the second half of the epic, distress over Enkidu's death causes Gilgamesh to undertake a long and perilous journey to discover the secret of eternal life.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epic_of_Gilgamesh
Argonauts (around 1500 BC)
The Argonauts were a band of heroes in Greek mythology, who in the years before the Trojan War accompanied Jason to Colchis in his quest to find the Golden Fleece.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argonauts
Daedalus and Icarus (around 1500 BC)
In Greek mythology, Daedalus was a skilful architect and craftsman, seen as a symbol of wisdom, knowledge and power. He is the father of Icarus
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daedalus
Odysseus (around 1250 BC and 800 BC)
Odysseus is probably best known as the eponymous hero of the Odyssey. This epic describes his travails, which lasted for 10 years, as he tries to return home after the Trojan War and reassert his place as rightful king of Ithaca.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odysseus
Ophir (around 945 BC)
Ophir is a port or region mentioned in the Bible, famous for its wealth. King Solomon received a shipment from Ophir every three years which consisted of gold, silver, sandalwood, pearls, ivory, apes, and peacocks.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophir
Atlantis (around 350 BC)
The legend of Atlantis is a story about a moral, spiritual people who lived in a highly advanced, utopian civilization. But they became greedy, petty, and "morally bankrupt," and the gods "became angry because the people had lost their way and turned to immoral pursuits."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantis
Alexander Romance (around 300 BC)
The Alexander Romance is an account of the life and exploits of Alexander the Great. Although constructed around a historical core, the romance is mostly fictional.