mythogeography

Mythogeography is a term used to describe the study of how myths, stories, and imagination shape our understanding and experience of places. It explores the relationship between the mental landscape and the physical environment, suggesting that our perceptions of locations are not solely based on objective reality but are also influenced by cultural narratives, personal memories, and collective imagination. This field examines how myths, legends, folklore, and even fictional representations contribute to the meaning and character of a place.

It posits that places are imbued with layers of meaning derived from the stories told about them. These stories can be ancient myths passed down through generations, historical accounts, or contemporary popular culture references. Mythogeography is concerned with how these narratives create a sense of identity, belonging, and significance for individuals and communities. It looks at how certain places become charged with symbolic meaning, acting as focal points for cultural beliefs and practices.

Practitioners of mythogeography often engage in a form of experiential research, walking through landscapes and observing how their personal and collective stories interact with the physical reality. The aim is to uncover the hidden dimensions of place, revealing how the intangible aspects of human imagination can profoundly influence our lived experience of the world. It is an interdisciplinary approach that draws from geography, literature, anthropology, and psychology.