mythos

noun

my·​thos ˈmi-ˌthōs 

-ˌthäs

plural mythoi ˈmi-ˌthȯi 

1

a

: myth sense 1a

b

: mythology sense 2a

2

: a pattern of beliefs expressing often symbolically the characteristic or prevalent attitudes in a group or culture

3

: theme, plot

the starving artist mythos

Synonyms

• fable
• legend
• myth

Examples of mythos in a Sentence

according to one creation mythos, humans sprang from the forehead of a god

the Superman mythos has long since become ingrained in popular American culture

Recent Examples on the Web

Her Snow White feels like a self-aware heroine in conversation with the Disney-princess mythos, far more skeptical than swooning, as well as gentle enough to appeal to children. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2025

While this notoriety is a key chapter in the game’s cultural mythos, today, D&D is valued intellectual property owned by Hasbro. —Eric Francisco, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025

In a way, the entirety of the Hellboy mythos — which steadily draws from mythology, folklore, and classic horror fiction — has been a proof of concept for Corpses, which features colors by Dave Stewart and letters by Clem Robins. —Josh Weiss, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Though the series was canceled after its second season, Lynch explored its characters and mythos further with the 1992 prequel film Fire Walk With Me, as well as a Showtime revival in 2017. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek mŷthos "utterance, speech, discourse, tale, narrative, fiction, legend," of obscure origin

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1a