Mythos
/ˈmɪθ.oʊs/noun
A traditional story or set of beliefs that explains a culture, person, or worldview.
Did you know?In ancient Greek, mythos was not automatically “false”; it could mean a spoken tale, proclamation, or authoritative story—language with power.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mu-
“To utter a low sound, mutter, or murmur”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μῦθος (mythos)
“A speech, tale, story, or authoritative pronouncement”
Classical Greek
Greek
μυθέομαι (mytheomai)
“To speak, tell, or recount”
Late Latin
Latin
mythus
“A fable or traditional story”
Middle English
English
mythe
“A traditional story, especially one about gods or heroes”
Modern English
English
myth
“A traditional story, especially one explaining natural or social origins”
Explore more surprising origins