"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 of myths and legends in religious traditions.
Creation myths: Stories of how the world and everything in it came into existence.
Gods and goddesses: Descriptions of the beliefs and characteristics of various gods and goddesses and their roles in mythology.
Heroes and heroines: Stories of brave and heroic individuals who go on quests or complete difficult tasks.
Monsters and creatures: Descriptions of various monsters and creatures that exist in mythology, often featuring unique and fantastical characteristics.
Religious practices: Details of how religion and worship plays a role in mythology, including specific rituals and customs.
Mythological symbols: Meanings and interpretations of symbols that are commonly used in mythology, such as the trident of Poseidon or the thunderbolt of Zeus.
Comparative mythology: Comparisons between different mythological traditions and how they relate to each other historically and thematically.
Mythological archetypes: Common character and story archetypes found in mythology, such as the hero's journey or the trickster.
Folklore and legends: Local and regional stories (often with a moral component) that have passed down through the generations.
Mythological epics: Narratives that are longer and more complex, often featuring multiple characters and intertwining storylines.
Comparative Mythology: The study and comparison of different myths and mythological traditions from various cultures.
Literary Mythology: The examination of the mythological themes and motifs in literature, including poetry, prose, and drama.
Anthropological Mythology: The exploration of the role of myths and mythology in human societies and culture, including religious and ritual practices.
Folklore Studies: The study of traditional and popular stories, songs, and customs in different cultures, including myths, legends, and folktales.
Psychological Mythology: The investigation of the psychological meanings and interpretations of myths and mythological symbols, including archetypes and the collective unconscious.
Myth and Gender: The analysis of the gendered aspects of myths and mythology, including representations of women, men, and non-binary individuals.
Myth and Science: The exploration of the intersections between myths and scientific knowledge, including the use of myths in scientific discourse.
Myth and Art: The study of the visual and artistic representations of myths and mythological figures, including painting, sculpture, and other forms of visual media.
Myth and Philosophy: The examination of the philosophical themes and concepts related to myths and mythology, including the nature of truth, existence, and morality.
Myth and Politics: The analysis of the political uses and interpretations of myths and mythological symbols, including nationalism, propaganda, and identity construction.
"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."