Myth

From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids

Myth may refer to:

• Mythology, mythography, or folkloristics. In these academic fields, a myth (mythos) is a sacred story concerning the origins of the world or how the world and the creatures in it came to have their present form. The active beings in myths are generally gods and heroes. Myths often are said to take place before recorded history begins. In saying that a myth is a sacred narrative, what is meant is that a myth is believed to be true by people who attach religious or spiritual significance to it. Use of the term by scholars does not imply that the narrative is either true or false. See also legend and tale.
• A myth, in popular use, is something that is widely believed but false. This usage, which is often pejorative, arose from labeling the religious stories and beliefs of other cultures as being incorrect, but it has spread to cover non-religious beliefs as well. Because of this usage, many people take offense when the religious narratives they believe to be true are called myths (see Religion and mythology for more information). This usage is frequently confused with fiction, legend, fairy tale, folklore, fable, and urban legend, each of which has a distinct meaning in academia.
• Something that is mythic is thought to contain story elements similar to mythology. Something mythical is, however, typically considered false.
• Urban myth is an alternate (not academic) term for urban legend.
• Myth (computer game), a series of real-time tactical computer games.
• The Myth, a 2005 Chinese film starring Jackie Chan.

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