"The myth is a folklore genre consisting of narratives that play a fundamental role in a society, such as foundational tales or origin myths."
The study and interpretation of traditional tales or beliefs about gods and heroes.
Creation Myths: Stories that explain the origin of the world and the beginning of life.
Hero Myths: Tales of brave individuals who overcome great obstacles and perform deeds of great valor.
Deity Myths: Stories that explain the actions, powers, and relationships of gods and goddesses.
Trickster Myths: Tales of devious and mischievous characters who often outsmart others for their own advantage.
Afterlife Myths: Beliefs and stories about what happens to the soul after death and the existence of a spirit world.
Mythological Creatures: Beings with supernatural abilities or features like dragons, giants, and chimera.
Mythological Symbolism: Common symbols found in mythology such as the serpent, the sun, the moon or the tree.
Classical Mythology: Myths from ancient Greece and Rome including the Iliad and the Odyssey.
Norse Mythology: Myths from Scandinavia featuring gods like Odin and Thor.
Egyptian Mythology: Myths from ancient Egypt involving gods such as Ra, Osiris, and Isis.
Celtic Mythology: Myths from the Celtic regions of Europe involving characters like Cú Chulainn and King Arthur.
Hindu Mythology: Myths from India with gods such as Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma.
Chinese Mythology: Myths from China including tales of the Monkey King and the Jade Emperor.
Folklore: Tales passed down within a specific culture or region that may involve supernatural or mythological elements.
Comparative Mythology: The study of similarities and differences in myths across cultures.
Mythological Archetypes: Common patterns found in mythic narratives that represent basic human experiences.
Mythic Psychology: An approach to understanding the psychology of individuals and cultures through mythological themes and stories.
Mythical Motifs: Recurring themes found in myths like the hero's journey or the battle between good and evil.
Greek Mythology: Greek mythology includes the myths and legends of ancient Greece concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices. They are mostly literary works, such as the Iliad and the Odyssey.
Norse Mythology: Norse mythology refers to the myths and legends of ancient Scandinavia, particularly those of the Vikings. It includes stories of the Norse gods, such as Thor and Odin, as well as myths about the creation of the world and characters like the giant, Ymir.
Egyptian Mythology: Egyptian mythology covers the religion and beliefs of ancient Egypt, including the stories of their gods, the creation of the world, and the afterlife. It includes myths about gods such as Ra, Osiris, and Anubis.
Roman Mythology: Roman mythology is the collection of myths and legends from ancient Rome. It mostly resembles the Greek mythology and the gods and goddesses are very similar.
Chinese Mythology: Chinese mythology includes the myths and legends of ancient China, which was heavily influenced by Confucianism and Taoism. It includes stories of various gods and goddesses, as well as myths about the creation of the world.
Hindu Mythology: Hindu mythology is the collection of myths and legends from ancient India. It includes stories of various gods and goddesses, such as Vishnu and Shiva, and myths about the creation of the world and the cycle of life and death.
Celtic Mythology: Celtic mythology is the collection of myths and legends from ancient Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It includes stories of gods and goddesses such as Lugh and Morrigan, as well as myths about the creation of the world.
Japanese Mythology: Japanese mythology includes the myths and legends of ancient Japan. It includes stories of various gods and goddesses, as well as myths about the creation of the world and the origins of Japanese culture and society.
African Mythology: African mythology includes the myths and legends of various African cultures. It includes stories of gods and goddesses, as well as myths about the creation of the world and the cycles of nature.
Native American Mythology: Native American mythology includes the myths and legends of various indigenous peoples in North and South America. It includes stories of various gods and goddesses, as well as myths about the creation of the world and the origins of human societies.
"Myths play a fundamental role in society..."
"Myths are often endorsed by secular and religious authorities..."
"Myths are closely linked to religion or spirituality."
"Many societies group their myths, legends, and history together..."
"Myths are sometimes distinguished from legends in that myths deal with gods..."
"The main characters in myths are usually non-humans, such as gods, demigods, and other supernatural figures."
"Others include humans, animals, or combinations in their classification of myth."
"Stories of everyday humans, although often of leaders of some type, are usually contained in legends, as opposed to myths."
"Myths are set in a world of the remote past, very different from that of the present."
"Creation myths take place in a primordial age when the world had not achieved its later form."
"Other myths explain how a society's customs, institutions, and taboos were established and sanctified."
"There is a complex relationship between the recital of myths and the enactment of rituals."
"Myths... usually have no historical basis..."
"Foundational tales or origin myths play a fundamental role in a society..."
"The main characters in myths are usually non-humans..."
"Myths are often endorsed by secular and religious authorities..."
"Myth is a folklore genre consisting of narratives that play a fundamental role in a society..."
"Many societies group their myths, legends, and history together, considering myths and legends to be true accounts of their remote past."
"Myths are set in a world of the remote past, very different from that of the present."