Looking up...
A traditional story or legend, often involving gods, heroes, or supernatural events, that explains natural phenomena or cultural beliefs.
日本の神話には天照大神の物語が含まれている。
Japanese myths include the story of the sun goddess Amaterasu.
この神話は雷の起源を説明している。
This myth explains the origin of thunder.
神話 is often used to refer to ancient stories that shape cultural identity.
While 神話 primarily refers to traditional myths, it can also describe modern stories that take on myth-like qualities.
神話 often carries cultural significance, so be mindful of the cultural background when discussing them.
From 神 (kami, 'god') + 話 (hanashi, 'story').
神話 can refer to both religious myths and fictional stories that resemble myths. In modern usage, it can also metaphorically describe widely believed but untrue stories (e.g., '都市伝説' (urban legends)).