a mythology is basically a network of one story or several interconnected stories that a group uses to explain things or to create a symbolic + easily conveyed framework for their worldview. these stories can be true or have true elements, a true story can function as a mythology t.co/RjcfCY6Icu
if you take any popular worldview it usually has a simplified network of interconnected stories supporting it. instead of intricately analyzing every bit of history and conveying it in perfect accuracy you get a caricature that is kind of “true” but also functions as a mythology
if you talk to an 8 - 10 year old about their conception of the history of their country you will basically get a mythology. they will tell you a story that is so simplified you could latch onto any piece and say “well, actually..” and correct them but the story has true elements
being charitable here by saying 8 - 10 year olds because really almost everyone is like this to some extent. for example history phds who study just one period intensely are often the first ones to say that the popular conception of whatever theyre an expert on is oversimplified.
the trick is recognizing this and accepting it as a part of life and using it strategically rather than seeing this and falling into the trap of “well, then all these stories are useless and basically false” (extremely common).
