labyrinths

A labyrinth is a pattern or structure that contains a single, non-branching path, which leads to a center or exit. It is distinct from a maze, which presents multiple paths, dead ends, and opportunities to choose. In common usage, labyrinth and maze are often confused, but scholars typically reserve labyrinth for unicursal designs and mazes for multi-path puzzles.

The word labyrinth comes from Greek labyrinthos, connected to myths of Daedalus and the Minotaur on Crete. In the myth, the labyrinth was a complex construction to confine the Minotaur; the exact plan is unknown. The symbol of the labyrinth has been used across cultures and eras as a metaphor for journey, pilgrimage, or inner contemplation.

Historical examples include the mythic labyrinth associated with the palace of Knossos on Crete, where Daedalus is said to have built a maze-like network of passages for the Minotaur. In medieval Europe, labyrinths were laid into church floors for contemplative walking pilgrimages; Chartres Cathedral’s labyrinth (late 12th century) is among the best known, with others at Amiens and Reims.

Designs and forms vary, but most traditional labyrinths are unicursal, featuring circular or polygonal layouts with a single winding route to the center. Some patterns are radial or more intricate, but they are designed to be followed rather than navigated as a puzzle. In contrast, mazes are designed to confuse, offering branching paths and dead ends.

Modern usage includes garden and park installations, therapeutic and spiritual walks, and public art. Contemporary labyrinths are often unicursal, though some installations visually resemble mazes while preserving a single path.