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Mythology Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mythology

[mɪˈθɒlədʒi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

study of myths

Mythology is the study of myths, or traditional stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. These myths often explain the origins of the universe, natural phenomena, and human behavior. Mythology can be found in various cultures around the world and plays a significant role in shaping beliefs and customs.

Synonyms

mythicism, mythlore, mythos.

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Word Description / Examples
mythology

Used to describe a collection of myths, especially those belonging to a particular religious or cultural tradition.

  • Greek mythology includes tales of gods and heroes like Zeus and Hercules.
  • The mythology of ancient Egypt is fascinating.
mythlore

A term often used to describe the study or body of knowledge concerning myths and legends. It is popular in literary and cultural studies.

  • She published a book that delves into the mythlore of Celtic traditions.
  • The author's work was rich in mythlore, drawing from various ancient tales.
mythicism

Typically refers to the belief or doctrine that myths have a foundation in historical reality or truth. Often used in academic or analytical discussions about myths.

  • The professor's focus on mythicism led to intriguing debates about the historical basis of legends.
  • Mythicism often explores the underlying truths in ancient stories.
mythos

Refers to a set of beliefs or assumptions about something, often forming an ideological framework. Can also mean a traditional or recurrent narrative theme.

  • The mythos of the American Dream is deeply rooted in the culture.
  • He was fascinated by the mythos surrounding King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

Examples of usage

  • Mythology often includes gods and goddesses who possess superhuman powers.
  • Many ancient civilizations had their own unique mythology that reflected their values and beliefs.
  • The study of mythology can provide insights into the cultural and religious practices of a society.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Mythologies often reflect a culture's values, fears, and morals, providing insight into their way of life.
  • Many modern holidays have roots in mythological tales, such as Halloween tracing back to Samhain and illustrating the thin veil between worlds.
  • Stories from mythology have also inspired countless works of art, literature, and theater, showing their lasting influence on human creativity.

Science and Mythology

  • Some myths explain natural phenomena, like thunder and lightning being attributed to gods' anger, before scientific explanations emerged.
  • Astrobiology and the search for extraterrestrial life often invoke mythological themes to imagine alien cultures and their narratives.
  • The study of ancient myths can provide clues about early human understanding of astronomy, as many cultures named constellations after mythical figures.

Psychology

  • Carl Jung argued that myths represent universal archetypes, patterns of behavior that help individuals understand themselves.
  • Mythology allows for a deeper exploration of human emotions and experiences, serving as a tool for personal growth and understanding.
  • Modern therapy sometimes utilizes mythology to help individuals narrate their life stories and find meaning in their experiences.

Literature

  • The epic poems of Homer, like the Iliad and the Odyssey, are foundational texts in Western literature, drawing heavily from Greek mythology.
  • Myths have influenced numerous literary genres, including fantasy, where authors create new worlds based on mythic tropes.
  • Modern authors like Neil Gaiman and Rick Riordan have reimagined ancient myths for contemporary audiences, keeping these stories alive.

Origin of 'mythology'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'mythos,' meaning story or tale, and 'logos,' meaning word or study, which together means the study of stories.
  • In ancient Greece, mythology was not just storytelling; it was integral to religion and public life.
  • The term gained popularity in the 19th century as scholars began to categorize and study the stories of various cultures more formally.

The word 'mythology' has its roots in the Greek language, with 'mythos' meaning 'story' and 'logos' meaning 'study' or 'discourse'. The study of mythology dates back to ancient times, with scholars and storytellers exploring the significance of myths in different cultures. Mythology continues to fascinate people worldwide, serving as a window into the beliefs and traditions of diverse societies.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,060, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.