mythical

Mythical is an adjective used to describe subjects drawn from or associated with myth and mythic traditions. The term derives from Latin mythicus and Greek mythikos, connected to mythos, meaning a traditional story or tale. In its core sense, mythical refers to narratives that seek to explain origins, natural phenomena, or cultural practices through gods, heroes, spirits, or other extraordinary beings.

A mythical creature, place, or person exists within a mythic framework rather than in verifiable history. In scholarly and literary contexts, mythical elements are distinguished from historical accounts and from strictly fictional or legendary material. Myths often address universal questions about creation, fate, morality, and the human condition, using symbolic imagery and cosmic stakes. Literature, art, and film routinely draw on mythical motifs to convey meaning, explore identity, or reimagine cultural heritage.

The word is also used more loosely in contemporary language to describe something highly imaginative or fictitious, or to emphasize the legendary status of a figure, object, or event. While the specifics of what is considered mythical vary among cultures, the core idea remains: the subject belongs to the realm of myth rather than to ordinary, verifiable reality.

Related concepts include mythology, which studies the body of myths of a culture, and folklore, which encompasses traditional beliefs and stories passed through generations. Myths continue to influence storytelling, ritual, and art across many societies.