Mythology

The word mythology literally means the retelling of myths stories that a particular culture believes to be true and that use supernatural events or characters to explain the nature of the universe and humanity. In modern usage, mythology is either the body of myths from a particular culture or religion or the branch of knowledge dealing with the collection, study and interpretation of myths.

In common usage, myth means a falsehood a story which many believe to be based on fact, but proves to be fictional. The field of mythology does not use this definition.Myths are generally narratives about divine or heroic beings, arranged in a coherent system, passed down traditionally, and linked to the spiritual or religious life of a community, endorsed by rulers or priests. Once this link to the spiritual leadership of society is broken, they lose their mythological qualities and evolve into folk or fairy tales. Not every religious narrative is a myth however; unless it is deeply rooted in tradition, it may also be trivial pious anecdote or legend.