Difference between Myths and Facts. What are they?

1. Myth

A myth is a traditional story or study which is derived from the Greek word “mythos”. It means “story” or “fiction”. Myths create living about the culture that created them and people refer to myth as a belief. It focuses on the story rather than the truth. It said that a myth justifies religious beliefs and explains natural events. There are few types of myths. Humanity myths, psychological myths, natural disaster myths, functional myths, and rational myths. Humanity myths simply explain how humans were created and where do they go after death. It also explains the environment, time, months, and seasons. Many things were unknown about natural disasters. People could not figure out why natural disasters would occur so they simply believed it’s god’s doing. Psychological myths explain human behavior. Why do humans feel, why do we have emotions?

2. Modern Mythology

Mythology can be defined as the study of myths or the collection of stories. It explains history, nature, and humans. Modern mythology is not as same as ancient mythology but like the ancient myths, modern myths have superheroes with extraordinary powers. There are many people who believe in ancient myths and modern myths. Ancient people used gods and evils to explain the world, while modern people use powerful superheroes and villains to explain the world. Wonder woman is an example of modern myth. She is a woman with god-like powers and was formed with the power of gods. Her character and journey literally depict ancient characters. There are many cultures with different beliefs and mythology reminds people of what they are. So, for many reasons, mythology is still important.

3. History

The origin of the myth is unknown. Well, it does not mean myth is history because history is real and factual, while myth is just a belief. It is said that even the Greeks had borrowed some stories in ancient times. The oldest myth is the inevitability of death. Speaking of facts, a philosopher named David Hume created facts. He explained facts differ from necessary truths.

4. Fact

A fact can be defined as something that exists and has occurred. It defines truth. It is opposite to the definition of myth. It is not a belief or knowledge. We use facts in history, mathematics, science, philosophy, and law. We base a fact on research, occurred in the past, experience, and does not include belief. It differs from truth. A truth includes facts and beliefs as well. This makes fact and truth different.

5. Difference between myths and facts

These two have opposite meanings. Myths are thoughts and beliefs, while facts are real and they exist. Myths are not proven though. Facts explain what they can explain, but myths only explain the unexplained. Many religious people strongly believe in myths while facts are trustworthy. Myth is just a misconception, believing in imaginary things or a person which is a false belief or something that is unproven. Facts are something that gathers evidence as proof and sometimes, they can be disproven. The modern generation believes in facts more than myths, although some people, especially religious people, do prefer to believe in myths rather than facts.