Mythopoesis

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The creative formation of myths and mythologies through artistic expression can be described as an imaginative narrative process
2. This term encapsulates the artistic endeavor of constructing mythical narratives that engage with cultural and symbolic themes
3. The process of crafting new myths involves imaginative storytelling that reflects cultural truths and values while also exploring deep symbolic meanings

Etymology: "Mythopoesis" is a compound of "mytho-", from Greek "mythos" meaning story or myth, and "poesis", a Latin word taken from Greek "poiesis", meaning making or creation. Together they describe the act of making myths. The word is attested in English from 1882, and its direct model is the Ancient Greek "muthopoiesis", which combined the same two elements. The English term is a modern formation built from classical parts rather than a word that ancient writers used in this sense. The same "poesis" element appears in "poetry", which likewise traces to the idea of making or crafting, so the two words share a root in the notion of creation through shaping language.

Synonyms: myth-making, legend creation, folklore, tale weaving, storytelling