mythe

A myth, or mythe in French, is a traditional narrative that seeks to explain beliefs, origins, rituals, and natural phenomena within a culture. Myths often involve deities, heroes, or ancestral figures and are transmitted through oral or written traditions. While many myths carry moral or religious significance, they are typically distinguished from contemporary historical or scientific accounts by their mode of validation and their cosmological scope. They may function as sacred stories, but they can also serve social and cultural purposes, preserving memory and shaping identity.

Etymology: The term myth derives from Latin mythus, from Greek mythos, meaning speech, tale, or fable. The concept entered many European languages via Latin and Old French, reflecting the sense of traditional narrative about gods, origins, or rituals. In French usage, mythe functions as the direct counterpart to the English myth.

Classification and functions: Myths can be etiological, explaining how natural features or customs arose; cosmogonical or theogonic, describing the creation of the world and its gods; or hero myths, tracing the deeds and trials of exemplary figures. They reinforce social norms, justify political authority, or provide a shared cultural framework for understanding existence.

Relation to religion and science: Myths have been historically linked to religious systems, often invoked in worship and ritual. In modern scholarship, myths are studied as symbolic narratives that convey values and worldviews, rather than as literal history. Comparative mythology and anthropology explore how myths vary and what they reveal about cultures.

Examples and influence: Notable myth traditions include ancient Greek and Roman, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Hindu mythologies, as well as many indigenous and folk traditions. Myths continue to influence literature, art, film, and popular culture, where archetypal figures and narratives recur in new forms.