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Mythos: meaning, definitions and examples

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mythos

 

[หˆmษชฮธษ’s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

ancient stories

Mythos refers to a traditional or recurrent narrative theme or plot structure of a literary or cultural tradition. It often involves gods, heroes, and supernatural beings. Myths serve to explain aspects of the natural world or human behavior and are usually passed down orally from one generation to another.

Synonyms

folklore, legend, myth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mythos

Used to refer to the set of beliefs, stories, or traditions that are associated with a particular culture or institution.

  • The mythos of ancient Greece has greatly influenced Western literature.
  • The company's brand has developed its own mythos over the years.
myth

Commonly used to explain traditional stories concerning early history or explaining natural or social phenomena, typically involving supernatural beings or events; also used to describe widely held but false beliefs or ideas.

  • The myth of Icarus warns of the dangers of overambition.
  • It's a common myth that you need to wait 30 minutes after eating before you can swim.
legend

Often used to describe a traditional story sometimes regarded as historical but unauthenticated, usually involving heroic characters or significant events.

  • The legend of King Arthur has inspired countless books and movies.
  • According to local legend, the treasure is buried under that old oak tree.
folklore

Used to describe the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, typically passed through generations by word of mouth.

  • The folklore of Ireland is rich with tales of fairies and leprechauns.
  • Many cultures have their own folklore that describes the creation of the world.

Examples of usage

  • Mythos of creation in Greek mythology
  • Mythos of the hero's journey in Joseph Campbell's work

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'mythos,' meaning 'story' or 'tale.'
  • In ancient Greece, mythos referred not just to fables but also to larger narratives that explained the universe.
  • It is related to the word 'myth,' which signifies traditional stories that convey cultural truths.

Literature

  • In literature, mythos can describe the overarching themes or narratives that shape a story's background.
  • Many famous novels and plays, such as those by Shakespeare or Homer, are steeped in mythos, exploring deep human truths through mythological frameworks.
  • Modern fantasy series often create a complex mythos, such as Tolkienโ€™s works, which elaborate on the histories and languages of their worlds.

Cultural Significance

  • Every culture has its own mythos that informs its values, traditions, and communal identity.
  • Indigenous peoples around the world often share mythos that connect them to nature, ancestors, and the cosmos.
  • Contemporary movements sometimes create new mythos, telling stories that inspire social change and collective action.

Psychology

  • In psychology, Carl Jung discussed the importance of mythos in understanding the collective unconscious of humanity.
  • People often find comfort in mythos, drawing on these stories during times of personal or societal crisis.
  • Archetypes present in mythos can serve as symbols for personal development, guiding individuals on their life journeys.

Pop Culture

  • Comic book universes, like Marvel or DC, have built extensive mythos around their characters, creating interwoven stories across generations.
  • Movies often retell ancient mythos in modern formats, such as Disney's adaptations of Greek myths, making them accessible for all ages.
  • Video games frequently explore mythos by immersing players in rich narratives influenced by historical or mythical themes.

Translations

Translations of the word "mythos" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น mito

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเคฟเคฅเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Mythos

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mitos

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผั–ั„

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ mit

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็ฅž่ฉฑ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท mythe

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ mito

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท mit

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‹ ํ™”

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃุณุทูˆุฑุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mรฝtus

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ mรฝtus

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ฅž่ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ mit

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ goรฐsรถgn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะธั„

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ˜แƒ—แƒแƒกแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mit

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ mito

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,114 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.