labyrint

A labyrinth, or labyrint, is a pattern or structure designed to be walked in a single, non-branching path that leads to a center. In scholarly usage, a labyrinth is distinct from a maze: a labyrinth has one continuous route with no choices or dead ends, whereas a maze presents multiple routes, branches, and dead ends. Because popular language often treats the terms as interchangeable, the distinction is sometimes overlooked in everyday conversation.

Historically, labyrinths appear in multiple cultures. The best-known mythological example is the Minotaur’s labyrinth built by Daedalus in ancient Crete. In Greek myth, Theseus followed Ariadne’s thread to navigate the maze. In medieval Europe, labyrinths were incorporated into cathedral floors as symbolic pilgrimages, with Chartres Cathedral’s labyrinth being a prominent example, featuring 11 circuits. Garden design later produced numerous puzzles called mazes, which are true multisursal mazes rather than labyrinths.

Design and forms vary. Unicursal labyrinths feature a single path to the center and back out along the same route, while multisursal patterns are mazes with branching choices. Common motifs include circular or polygonal layouts; some traditional and contemporary versions use concentric circuits or geometric tiling. The term “labyrinth” is often associated with contemplative walking, ritual symbolism, and meditative practice, though it also appears in modern art, landscape architecture, and literature.

Modern usage is broad, encompassing therapeutic and mindfulness practices, religious and spiritual symbolism, and decorative or educational installations. Labyrinths continue to appear in public parks, churches, museums, and digital media as cultural and historical motifs. The word derives from Greek labyrinthos, through Latin labyrinthus, and has entered many languages as a symbol of journey and reflection.