Not really a myth... just some facts.

The irrational fear of snakes may have come from the book of Genesis where the devil is signified by a serpent. The Catholics have an image of the Virgin Mary crushing the head of the serpent (used to symbolize evil and death) while the serpent strikes at her heel. From this depiction, comes all the hollywood movies (Indiana Jones, etc.) that villifies the snake. It plays on the already-established negative emotion invoked by the presence of snakes that makes a movie connect with the audience's fear without having to set it up too much. So, you want to make a horror movie, put a snake in - instant fear. No need to spend precious time setting up a scene to invoke the emotion.

A month ago, I was one of those with the irrational fear of snakes. My young sons are followers of Bindi the Jungle Girl (ever since she guest starred in the Wiggles) and she has a pet corn snake in her room. So, they've always wanted a snake as well. My husband has wanted a snake for years and years. Finally, last month, I said okay to the snake... and we now have 2bp's. And I have to say, I spend more time with those snakes than all of them do! Love at first sight!