Mythology
/mɪˈθɒl.ə.dʒi/noun
The study of myths, which are traditional stories that explain natural or social phenomena.
Did you know?In ancient times, myths were considered powerful truths, often believed to hold magical properties that influenced reality and fate.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mythos
“a story or narrative, often sacred or significant.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μυθολογία (mythología)
“study of myths or narrative discourse.”
Latin
Latin
mythologia
“treatise on myths; discourse on traditional stories.”
Medieval Latin
Medieval Latin
mythologia
“theological and philosophical interpretation of myths.”
16th Century
English
mythologie
“a collection of myths or stories.”
Modern English
English
mythology
“the body of myths of a particular culture or religion.”