OVERVIEW
from
Britannica Concise Encyclopedia
myth, Traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the worldview of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon.
Myths relate the events, conditions, and deeds of gods or superhuman beings that are outside ordinary human life and yet basic to it. These events are set in a time altogether different from historical time, often at the beginning of creation or at an early stage of prehistory. A culture’s myths are usually closely related to its religious beliefs and rituals. The modern study of myth arose with early 19th-century Romanticism. Wilhelm Mannhardt, ... (100 of 24961 words)
Aspects of the topic myth are discussed in the following places at Britannica.
People
The following are some people associated with "myth"
Other
The following is a selection of items (artistic styles or groups, constructions, events, fictional characters, organizations, publications) associated with "myth"
Articles from Britannica encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.
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Mythology - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
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Mythology is the rich collection of traditional tales called myths from cultures all over the world. Many myths date back to ancient times. They are stories about how the world was created and why certain things happen. Today the word myth is often used to describe something that is not true. But a myth is not just a made-up story. Myths tell of gods, heroes, and events that a group believes, or at one time believed, to be real. A culture’s myths are often closely tied to its religion.
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mythology - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
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The origin of the universe can be explained by modern astronomers and astrophysicists, while archaeologists and historians try to clarify the origin of human societies. In the distant past, however, before any sciences existed, the beginnings of the world and of society were explained by mythology.
The topic myth is discussed at the following external Web sites.
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Folklore and Mythology - Electronic Texts
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Minneapolis Institute of Arts - World Myths and Legends
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Ellie Crystal - Babylonian Creational Myths
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Window To The Universe