myth

Everyday

1. A myth is a very old story about gods, heroes or magical creatures, often explaining how the world or nature began. tree →
2. A myth is a common idea that many people believe but that is not true. tree →

In the lessons

In history and English, myths from Ancient Greece, Rome, the Norse, Māori and Aboriginal peoples tell of gods and heroes (Zeus, Thor, Maui), and explain things like thunder or seasons. In science and safety, «myth-busting» shows that some popular ideas are false: goldfish don't have three-second memories, bulls are not angered by red, lightning can strike the same place twice. Checking facts helps you spot myths. In everyday life, «that's a myth» means it isn't true.

Examples

• We read the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. tree →
• Myths often explain how the world began. tree →
• It's a myth that goldfish only remember for three seconds. tree →
• Thor is a god from Norse myths. tree →
• The idea that bats are blind is a myth. tree →
• Many myths have been told for thousands of years. tree →
• Scientists test ideas to find out which are myths. tree →

Note

Countable: a myth, myths. Said «mith» (short i). Adjective «mythical» (not real, from myths: a mythical creature like a unicorn). «Mythology» = all the myths of a people. A myth is different from a «legend» (may be based on a real person or event) and a «fable» (a short story with a moral, often with animals).