Labyrinth

A labyrinth is a design that features a single, undulating path that leads from the outer edge to a central point, with no branches or dead ends. This unicursal layout contrasts with a maze, which contains multiple routes and choices. In common usage, the terms are sometimes interchanged, but a key distinction in traditional definitions is that a labyrinth provides one continuous path.

The word comes from the Greek labyrinthos, widely associated with the myth of Daedalus and the Minotaur. In Greek myth, Daedalus built a sprawling structure on Crete to imprison the Minotaur; the term has since become a generic label for winding, intricate floor plans. Archaeologists distinguish between the legendary labyrinth of myth and real architectural mazes, though the Knossos complex is often described as a labyrinth in popular contexts.

Historically, labyrinths have appeared in various cultures. In medieval Europe, large circular floor patterns were laid in cathedrals for contemplative walking, rather than for solving a puzzle. The best-known example is the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth in France, dating to the 13th century, followed by others in different churches. In earlier antiquity, the word was sometimes used to describe complex palace layouts, such as the ancient Minoan site at Knossos, though these structures are not universally agreed to be true labyrinths.

In modern times, labyrinths are constructed for meditation, ritual, and therapeutic purposes. They are typically unicursal and non-puzzling, emphasizing a contemplative journey rather than a puzzle. Variants include round or geometric patterns, sometimes replicated in garden paths, art installations, and cultural or spiritual contexts. The concept continues to symbolize journey, introspection, and the process of navigating life.