Myths are traditional stories, especially ones concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events. A collection of and the study of myths is called mythology.
Myth Definition
Myths are based on traditions, some having factual origins, while others are completely fabricated. Some myths are sacred to a certain place or religion, and describe and explain the cultural and religious views, the world, or a person’s existence. Unlike fairy tales, myths don’t often have a happy ending, and their characters don’t always learn a positive lesson. Myths are part of an oral tradition, meaning that they’ve been passed on over many years, often changing as they travel from person to person.
Myths originated a long time ago when people began using the written word. Much of the first text consisted of topics such as how the world was created, how people came into existence, the afterlife, or why death is important in life. Some of the well known myths come from the following cultures: Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Israelites, Norse, Chinese, and Native Americans.
Myths cover a variety of topics that could be used in the classroom as teaching points. For example, there are myths about why the seasons change, and why the moon and sun rise and set. There are also myths about positive and negative results that come from the decisions we make. Myths are also ways to learn about the powers and flaws of a culture’s gods and goddesses.
Create your own Storyboard
Try it for Free!Create your own Storyboard
Try it for Free!Examples of Myths
Greek Myths
- King Midas and His Golden Touch
- The Odyssey
- Theseus, the Minotaur, and the Maze
- Hades, Zeus, and the King of Corinth
Roman Myths
- The Story of Romulus and Remus
- Jupiter and the Bee
- Pluto and the River Styx
- Jupiter and Io
Egyptian Myths
- The Story of Re
- The Battle of Set and Horus
- The Prince and the Sphinx
- The Girl Who Wore Red Slippers
Norse Myths
- The Death of Baldur
- The Mead of Poetry
- Why Odin is One-Eyed
- The Creation of Thor’s Hammer
Want to learn more? Check out our educational article on Literary Genres!
How Tos about Myths: Definition and Examples
How can teachers create engaging classroom activities about myths?
Design creative group projects. Encourage students to work in teams to retell, illustrate, or dramatize a myth. This helps foster collaboration and deeper understanding of myth themes.
Encourage critical thinking with myth comparisons.
Ask students to compare myths from different cultures. Guide them to identify similarities and differences in characters, morals, and story structure. This broadens cultural awareness and analytical skills.
Incorporate art and writing for myth exploration.
Invite students to create their own mythical stories or artwork. Let them invent new characters or settings inspired by classic myths. This sparks creativity and personal expression.
Facilitate class discussions on myth messages.
Lead a conversation about the lessons found in myths. Discuss what students think the myth is trying to teach and how it relates to their lives today. This makes learning more relevant and memorable.
Connect myths with other subjects for cross-curricular learning.
Link myths to history, geography, or science topics. Show how myths reflect real-world places, events, or natural phenomena. This helps students see the broader impact of myths across disciplines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Myths: Definition and Examples
What is a myth?
A myth is a traditional story passed down through generations that explains natural events, customs, or beliefs, often featuring gods, heroes, or magical creatures.
How do myths differ from legends and folktales?
Myths usually explain the origins of the world or natural phenomena and involve gods or supernatural beings. Legends are based on historical events or people, while folktales are fictional stories meant to entertain or teach a lesson.
Why are myths important in different cultures?
Myths help cultures explain the unknown, teach moral values, preserve traditions, and strengthen community identity by sharing common stories and beliefs.
Can you give examples of famous myths from around the world?
Yes! Examples include Greek myths like the story of Prometheus, Egyptian myths about Osiris, and Native American creation stories.
How can teachers use myths in the classroom?
Teachers can use myths to spark discussions about culture, teach literary elements like symbolism, and encourage creative writing or art projects based on mythological stories.
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office