myytit

Myytit (Finnish for myths) are traditional narratives that explain the origins of the world, the forces of nature, the genealogy of gods and heroes, and the foundations of social practices. They function as a culture’s basic stories, often linked to ritual and religious belief, and they are distinguished from legends and folktales by their cosmological scope and authority.

Etymology and scope: The term myytti derives from broader concepts of myth found in Eurasian and Mediterranean traditions, traceable to Greek mythos and Latin mythus. In Finnish scholarship, myytit denote foundational or sacred narratives that communities preserve across generations. They may be transmitted orally, in poetry or song, and later appear in written form, sometimes evolving over time.

Content and functions: Myytit typically include etiologies that explain natural phenomena, cosmogonies, genealogies of deities and heroes, and moral or social prescriptions. They articulate a worldview, justify rituals and institutions, reinforce shared values, and shape collective identity within and among communities.

Methods and modern reception: Scholars study myytit through comparative mythology, folklore, anthropology, linguistics, and psychology. In contemporary culture, mythic narratives appear in literature, film, and games; they are frequently reinterpreted or reimagined to explore new meanings or address current concerns, while sometimes facing critique for essentialism or cultural appropriation.

Finnish context: In Finland, the Kalevala, compiled by Elias Lönnrot from traditional runo songs in the 19th century, popularized Finnish mythic motifs and contributed to national identity. Central figures include Väinämöinen, Ilmarinen, and Louhi, and the work remains a key reference point in Finnish myth and folklore studies.