mi-THOL-uh-jee
Mythology is a collection of traditional stories, beliefs, and legends that explain natural phenomena, cultural practices, or the origins of the world and humanity. These sacred narratives, passed down through generations, feature gods, heroes, and supernatural beings, serving as the foundation for understanding ancient civilizations and their worldviews.
21
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
💡 Pro Tip:
MYTHOLOGY contains the valuable Y (4 points) used twice, plus common letters that create multiple crossword opportunities. The -OLOGY suffix is particularly useful for hooking onto existing words. Consider building from MYTH or adding to words ending in -LOG.
Mythology encompasses the collected myths of a particular culture or religion, forming a system of stories that explain the world's creation, natural phenomena, human behavior, and the relationship between mortals and the divine. These traditional narratives, often featuring gods, goddesses, heroes, and supernatural creatures, serve as more than mere entertainment—they encode cultural values, moral lessons, and explanations for the inexplicable.
Beyond individual stories, mythology represents a comprehensive worldview that shaped ancient societies' understanding of reality. It addresses fundamental questions: How did the universe begin? Why do seasons change? What happens after death? Through symbolic narratives, mythology provided pre-scientific explanations for natural phenomena while establishing social norms and religious practices.
In modern usage, mythology extends beyond ancient tales to include any set of beliefs or stories that shape collective understanding. We speak of "urban mythology," "corporate mythology," or the "mythology of the American Dream," recognizing how narratives continue to influence contemporary culture. The study of mythology—comparative mythology—reveals universal themes across cultures, suggesting shared human experiences and concerns.
In word games, MYTHOLOGY scores well due to its 9-letter length and the presence of two Y tiles (4 points each in Scrabble). The familiar suffix -OLOGY makes it easier to play by building from existing words. Its combination of common and valuable letters provides strategic flexibility, especially when forming multiple crosswords.
The word "mythology" derives from the Greek "mythologia" (μυθολογία), combining "mythos" (μῦθος) meaning "story, tale, or word" and "logos" (λόγος) meaning "speech, word, or reason." Thus, mythology literally means "the telling of stories" or "the study of tales."
The etymological evolution traces this path:
Originally, "mythos" in Greek didn't carry the connotation of "false" or "fictional" that "myth" has today. It simply meant "story" or "plot," equal in validity to "logos" (reasoned discourse). The distinction between mythos and logos emerged later in Greek philosophy, as rational inquiry began to challenge traditional narratives. This linguistic shift reflects humanity's evolving relationship with storytelling and truth.
Words with similar meaning
Folklore
Traditional beliefs and stories of a community
Legend
Traditional story with historical basis
Lore
Body of traditions and knowledge
Mythos
Pattern of beliefs expressing worldview
Tradition
Beliefs passed through generations
Saga
Long story of heroic achievement
Associated terms and fields
Pantheon
All gods of a particular mythology
Cosmology
Study of universe's origin and structure
Theology
Study of divine nature and religion
Anthropology
Study of human cultures and societies
Archetype
Universal pattern in myths
Allegory
Story with hidden meaning
Adjective Form
mythological
The mythological creatures fascinated her.
Person Who Studies
mythologist
The mythologist compared creation stories.
Related Terms
Stories of Zeus, Athena, and Olympian gods
Tales of Odin, Thor, and Ragnarok
Study of myths across cultures
Contemporary cultural narratives
Total base points: 20 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 3 | Consonants: 6
High-value letters: Y×2 (8 pts), H (4 pts), M (3 pts)
Root
MYTH (story, tale)
Suffix
-OLOGY (study of)
Subwords
Can Build From
If you can't play MYTHOLOGY, consider these subwords:
"The professor's course on comparative mythology revealed striking similarities between creation stories from different continents."
"Modern fantasy literature draws heavily from Norse mythology, particularly the concepts of world trees and prophetic doom."
"Understanding Greek mythology is essential for appreciating classical literature and its countless allusions."
Business: "The company carefully crafted its founding mythology to inspire employees and customers."
Psychology: "Personal mythology shapes how individuals understand their life story and identity."
Media: "The mythology of the superhero universe spans decades of interconnected stories."
The foundation of Western literature and art, featuring Zeus/Jupiter, Athena/Minerva, and heroes like Hercules and Odysseus. These myths explain natural phenomena, human emotions, and moral lessons through stories of gods who embody human traits.
From Scandinavia, featuring Odin, Thor, and Loki in tales of cosmic battles and inevitable doom (Ragnarok). Emphasizes honor, courage, and fate, influencing modern fantasy literature and popular culture significantly.
Centered on death, rebirth, and the afterlife, with gods like Ra, Isis, and Osiris. The mythology deeply influenced Egyptian society, from pyramid construction to mummification practices, reflecting beliefs about eternal life.
One of the world's oldest living mythologies, featuring deities like Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Epic texts like the Mahabharata and Ramayana blend mythology with philosophy, establishing dharma (righteous living) principles.
Blends Taoist, Buddhist, and folk traditions, featuring dragons, immortals, and the Jade Emperor. Emphasizes harmony, balance, and the connection between heaven and earth, deeply influencing Chinese culture and festivals.
Mythology vs. Religion
Mythology often refers to others' beliefs; religion to one's own
Myth vs. Legend
Myths explain cosmic truths; legends have historical basis
Mythology vs. Folklore
Mythology is more systematic; folklore includes all traditions
Myth = False?
Academically, myths aren't "false" but symbolic truths
MYTHICAL
Existing only in myths
LEGENDARY
Famous or mythical
FOLKLORE
Traditional beliefs and stories
PANTHEON
All gods of a mythology
COSMOLOGY
Study of universe's origin
ALLEGORY
Story with hidden meaning
Other valuable words ending in -OLOGY in Scrabble
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like MYTHOLOGY