Mythology is a collection of myths or stories about a specific person, culture, religion, or any group with shared beliefs. It is a folklore genre consisting of narratives that play a fundamental role in a society, such as foundational tales or origin myths. Myths are often endorsed by secular and religious institutions as they express and confirm societys religious values and norms, provide a pattern of behavior to be imitated, testify to the efficacy of ritual with its practical ends, and establish the sanctity of cult.

Myths are stories that are based on tradition and may have factual origins, while others are completely fictional. They are sacred tales that explain the world and mans experience, and they serve as a compass to each generation. Myths answer timeless questions and reflect the universal concerns of mankind throughout history, such as birth, death, the afterlife, the origin of man and the world, good and evil, and the nature of man himself.

Myths are not always optimistic, and the essence of myths is such that they are as often warnings as promises, as often laments as celebrations. Many myths are instructive and act as a guide to social norms, taking on cultural taboos such as incest, fratricide, and greed. Mythology can also mean the study of myths in an academic situation, like studying mythology at a university.

In summary, mythology is a collection of myths or stories that explain the world and mans experience, reflect the universal concerns of mankind throughout history, and serve as a compass to each generation. They are often endorsed by secular and religious institutions and can be instructive and act as a guide to social norms.