Mythology refers to stories or explanations of the origin and meaning of the world and the universe and their relation to a particular culture of civilization.
Mythological stories differ from folk tales and legends. They tend to be integrated in the religious doctrine of a particular culture and are considered sacred and factual. Mythological stories also contain supernatural and divine subjects. Folk tales and legends, on the other hand are more lighthearted and entertaining. Though mythological stories are characteristic of the prescientific world, many aspects and beliefs of the modern world perpetuate the mythic tradition.
The most well-known myths in Western Civilization are those of ancient Greece. The historic sources for our knowledge of this mythology are the Theogeny by Hesiod and the Illiad and Odyssey by Homer. All the three works date from the 8th century B.C. Other significant mythologic systems are Teutonic, or Norse, mythology of Scandinavia and Germany. The sources for this mythology are the Eddas (1200B.C.). The source for the Hindu mythology of Asia and India are the Vedas (1200 to 600 B.C.). The basis of Irish Celtic mythology are three cycles of stories - the Mythological cycle, the Ulster cycle and Fenian cycle. Other significant mythological systems are those of Africa, Native America and the Pacific Islands.
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