What does mythological mean?
Mythological is an adjective meaning connected with myths, legends, and the traditions that explain the world through gods, heroes, supernatural beings, or symbolic stories. It is especially common in discussions of art, literature, religion, history, and folklore. For example, a painting may be described as mythological when it draws on Greek, Roman, Norse, or other traditional narratives. The term can also suggest that something is fanciful or impossible, although that implication is usually softer than the literal reference to ancient myths. In academic writing, mythological distinguishes traditional narrative material from history or evidence-based explanation. Related words include myth, a story involving supernatural or traditional beliefs; mythical, belonging to or resembling a myth; and mythology, a body or study of myths. The word is especially useful when discussing how communities preserve, adapt, and reinterpret stories about origins, power, morality, and the supernatural.
adjectiveRelating to myths or the study of myths, especially those concerning gods, heroes, origins, and the supernatural. It can also describe stories or ideas that belong to a traditional body of legend rather than verifiable history.
- Relating to myths, legends, or the study of mythology.
- Based on or characteristic of traditional legend rather than verified history.
- In art and literature, referring to themes, figures, or narratives drawn from ancient myth.
"The museum's collection includes numerous mythological figures from ancient Greek and Roman traditions."
"The statue depicts a mythological hero battling a serpent."
"Scholars spent years comparing the two mythological traditions."
From tales of gods and monsters to modern retellings, mythological language lets a story ask, “What if the impossible were true?”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mythological come from?
The adjective comes from mythology, which in turn derives from Greek mythos, meaning “word, story, or account.” The combining form -logical relates to the study or science of something. The word entered English during the 16th century in the context of the study of ancient myth and later developed into a general adjective for anything associated with legendary narratives.
Related word forms
How mythological is actually used
The word is formal and commonly used in literary, historical, religious, and academic contexts. In general use, it can suggest something fanciful or imaginary, especially when describing an event or story.
Easily confused with mythological
Mythical commonly describes something belonging to myth or legend, while mythological more often relates to myths as a subject or to a body of traditional stories.
Mystical concerns spiritual experience or hidden meaning, whereas mythological concerns myths and the stories, beings, or beliefs traditionally associated with them.