The word myth originates from the Greek word of mythos, meaning a fable or a tale. It is here in ancient Greece where the myth was subsequently born creating divisions between people. The philosophers of the time, namely Plato, heavily criticised these myths as immoral stories that would anger gods; for they were often portrait by Homer and Hesiod in human form. Nevertheless, myths prevailed long after the time of the Greeks, being recited for education, answering near impossible questions, and ultimately for enjoyment.
A myth's definition changes from culture to culture, and person to person. There is no set definition defining what a myth actually is and represents, but it is generally accepted that a myth is a person or thing existing only in imagination, or whose actual existence is not verifiable. With this vague definition the actual meaning of a myth also changes between cultures. As a result there many different kinds of myths, and to analyse the roles myths hold in both non-modern and modern cultures it is necessary to separate a few of the different subsections of myths:.
Fundamental myths are caught between realism and philosophical idealism. An example could be a story where someone meets their life's true love, only to be sold for slavery in another part of the world. Often they will reunite though, as happy endings almost always prevail.
Individual myths are specifically for a single subject. He or she could be battling against the world to make change for the better, or go from rags to riches using only their inchoative and rejecting hand outs or help from others. .
Collective myths create the want to share a common bond, and makes a need to belong, much like that of a family. Many would categorise religion as a collective myth, and even put science along side it, for they both claim to be universal and unite people with common beliefs.
Spiritual myths are loosely connected to collective myths, where the aim is to create a sense of righteousness, euphoria, and well being.
