Mythology

Mythology is the collection of myths — stories, legends, and beliefs — surrounding a religious or spiritual practice. It is typically based on a mix of historical events and oral/literary works. (The term is also sometimes used to refer to the systematic collection and organization of those myths, as in a scholarly discipline.)

No doubt one reason for the success of so many religions, and religion generally, is the inclusion of colorful and dramatically meaningful myths among the religious doctrines. Parables, for instance, are lessons in story form; it is not surprising that religions adopt parables and myths to make their points, and to attract and entertain potential adherents. The larger-than-life aspects of myths —

• interventions of beings with super powers (deities, demons, demi-gods, angels, etc.);
• inexplicable forces (destiny, curses, luck);
• unrealistic events (many children, long lives, fabulous gardens, treasures, poisonous or deadly apples, virgin births, rebirths and reincarnations, spontaneous healings, communications with animals and gods, conversion of dead matter to life or vice versa, etc., etc.)

— give their viewers the same sense of wonder identified as a defining element of modern SF. In looking at ourselves through carnival mirrors and magnifying mirrors, we gain new insights and perspectives into the human condition.

The study of the literary aspects of of religious / mythological texts, including oral, dramatic, literary, and historical works, acknowledges the aesthetic values of the works, as well as the story-telling value. Mythologies, a part of humanity's cultural heritage, also inform our beliefs about the world even when not explicitly accepted as literal truth. They thus offer a key source of material to reappropriate, parody, and retell, a project within many social/political critical movements.

• Fictional mythology, or mythopeia, are myths (see Category:Fictional mythology) that were created by a writer within the context of a fictional work or work of art. For instance, J.R.R. Tolkien's elaborate fictional mythology.

• The term "mythology" is also used to refer to the backstory and overall plot development, as in the X-Files "mytharc". See Fictional universes, continuities, mythologies, and canon for more discussion.