Myth
See also:MythologyA myth isstory which has deep explanatory or symbolic resonance forculture. The termsometimes used pejorativelyreferencecommon beliefs ofculture or forbeliefs ofreligionimply thatstoryboth fancifulfictional. But even historical facts can serve as myths if theyimportant toculture. Most oftenterm refers specificallyancient tales from very old cultures, such as Greek mythology or Roman mythology. Some myths descended originally as partan oral traditionwere only later written down,manythem existmultiple versions.
All cultures have developed over time their own mythology, consistinglegendstheir history, their religions,their heroes. The myths that make upculture's mythologystoriesdeep explanatory or symbolic resonance forculture, which isusual explanationwhyremain withculture sometimesthousandsyears. Mythsthereforebe distinguished from fables, folktales, fairy tales, anecdotes, or simple fiction.
One notable genremyth iscreation myth,myth which explains howUniverse we observe was created, usually by God or gods.
Another genremyth isTrickster myth,myth explaining events asresultpranks or tricks played by one ofgods.
Joseph Campbell (March 26, 1904 - October 31, 1987) was consideredworld's leading authority on myth andhistoryspirituality.
See also: Mythical place
Also, mythoften used injournalistic senserefer tocommonly held but erroneous belief.
e.g., see urban myth or urban legend.
External Links
Mythalsotitle ofcomputer game. See Myth (computer game).\n
