Mythology & Folklore

Mythology and folklore exist throughout the world in every culture, handed down from generation to generation. They are used to explain why and how civilizations have developed and to provide a sense of order and meaning. The word mythology comes from the Greek mythos (story of the people) and logos (word or speech), meaning the spoken story of a people. This guide will explore examples of mythology and folklore from across ancient Europe and discuss how these stories have been presented on stage throughout the centuries.

Terminology

• Mythology: Stories from ancient cultures about divine figures and supernatural events, often considered as a combination of literature, science, history, and religion.
• Legend: A traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but not authenticated.
• Folklore: Traditional beliefs and stories in a community, passed by word of mouth through the generations.
• Celtic: An ancient European people who are related to the Irish, Scots, Welsh, and Bretons
• Norse: Norwegians or Scandinavians in ancient or medieval times.
• Golden Age Musical: A Broadway musical written and produced between 1943 and 1965.
• Matricide: The killing of one’s mother.
• Opera Seria: A style of opera developed in Italy on a serious (usually classical or mythological) theme.