The Interplay among Mythology, Culture, and the English Language

Abstract

Mythology refers to traditional stories often involving gods and heroes. Many of these tales have been widely popularized, and in turn, have been found to be of high significance in investigating the evolution of the English language and culture. As mythologies are often passed down through cultures, these tales heavily influence modern traditions and beliefs. They also play an important role in the evolution and development of certain languages. This paper discusses the relationship between mythology, language, and culture through the help of a comparative analysis of mythologies, vocabularies, literary works, and traditions regarding death. The analysis reveals that many English words and phrases originate from Greek and Roman mythology, and that an individual's belief is closely connected to the mythology of the culture they grew up in. This, in turn, proves that mythology cannot be ignored when investigating language and culture, and that an understanding of mythological tales will allow individuals to better appreciate both literature and cultural traditions.