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Mythical Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mythical

[ˈmɪθɪkəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

creatures

Existing only in myths or legends; imaginary; fictitious.

Synonyms

fictional, legendary, mythological.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mythical

Used when referring to something that exists only in myths, such as characters, animals, or places from ancient stories.

  • The unicorn is a mythical creature
  • The village was said to lie in a mythical land far beyond the known world
legendary

Used to describe someone or something that is famous or celebrated in stories from the past, often implying both truth and exaggeration.

  • King Arthur is a legendary figure in British folklore
  • The legendary singer left a lasting impact on the music industry
mythological

Similar to 'mythical', but more specifically related to ancient myths and legends, often used in academic or more formal contexts.

  • Hercules is a well-known figure in Greek mythological tales
  • The course focused on mythological themes in ancient literature
fictional

Used when referring to something that is invented for the purpose of a story, often in books, movies, or other forms of narrative media.

  • Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective created by Arthur Conan Doyle
  • The town of Arkham is a fictional location found in the works of H
  • P
  • Lovecraft

Examples of usage

  • Mythical creatures like unicorns and dragons have captured the imagination of people for centuries.
  • The island was said to be home to mythical beings who possessed magical powers.
  • The story of the mythical hero has been passed down through generations.
  • The ancient civilization believed in mythical gods and goddesses.
  • The mythical land was said to be hidden beyond the mountains.
Context #2 | Adjective

places

Relating to or occurring in myths; legendary.

Synonyms

fabled, legendary, mythological.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mythical

Describes something that exists only in myths or is imaginary, often used in literature and storytelling.

  • The unicorn is a mythical creature known for its single horn and magical powers.
  • He went on a journey to find the mythical city of Atlantis.
legendary

Refers to someone or something that is famous for its exceptional qualities or achievements, often used to describe famous historical figures or extraordinary events.

  • King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table are legendary figures in British folklore.
  • Her performance in the concert was legendary, drawing applause from everyone present.
mythological

Relates to myths and mythology, often used in academic and scholarly contexts to discuss ancient stories and characters from different cultures.

  • Greek mythological tales include gods and heroes such as Zeus and Hercules.
  • The course focused on Roman and Norse mythological stories.
fabled

Often used to describe something well-known from stories or folklore, sometimes suggesting that it may not exist. Frequently used for legendary places or historic tales.

  • The fabled Lost City of El Dorado has captivated explorers for centuries.
  • She told her children the fabled tales of the olden days.

Examples of usage

  • The mythical city of Atlantis is said to have sunk into the ocean.
  • The explorer searched for the mythical fountain of youth in the jungle.
  • The map depicted a mythical island that was rumored to hold hidden treasures.
  • The ancient texts described mythical lands that no longer exist.
  • The mythical kingdom was said to be ruled by a powerful sorcerer.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many fantasy books create 'mythical' worlds with creatures like fairies and trolls.
  • Famous examples include J.R.R. Tolkien's creation of Middle-earth, filled with elves, dwarves, and dragons.

Pop Culture

  • Mythical creatures like mermaids and phoenixes often appear in movies, games, and art.
  • Disney's films frequently feature 'mythical' themes, such as in 'The Little Mermaid' and 'Hercules.'

Psychology

  • Belief in 'mythical' beings can reflect human desires for hope, adventure, and understanding of the unknown.
  • These stories often help people make sense of their world, interpreting complex feelings or experiences.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures have their own 'mythical' stories that explain natural phenomena, origins, or moral lessons.
  • For example, Japanese mythology includes creatures like kitsune (fox spirits) that embody wisdom and transformation.

Origin of 'mythical'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'mythos,' a Greek word meaning 'story' or 'tale.'
  • In the 19th century, 'mythical' began to describe things related to myths or legends.

The word 'mythical' has its origins in the Late Middle English period, derived from the Old French word 'mythique' and the Latin word 'mythicus'. It has been used to describe imaginary beings, places, or events that are often found in myths and legends. Throughout history, mythical stories have played a significant role in various cultures around the world, shaping beliefs, traditions, and folklore.

See also: myth, mythic, mythicism, mythological, mythology, mythos, myths.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,350, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.