myth

A myth is defined as a story without an author that is passed along and is usually intended to teach a lesson, or something that is untrue.

(noun)

If many believe that black cats are evil but this isn't true, then this is an example of a myth.
The stories the Ancient Greeks told to explain the sun and the Earth are an example of myths.

See myth in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a traditional story of unknown authorship, ostensibly with a historical basis, but serving usually to explain some phenomenon of nature, the origin of man, or the customs, institutions, religious rites, etc. of a people: myths usually involve the exploits of gods and heroes
such stories collectively; mythology
any fictitious story, or unscientific account, theory, belief, etc.
any imaginary person or thing spoken of as though existing

Origin: LL mythos < Gr, a word, speech, story, legend

mythology

See myth in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. A traditional, typically ancient story dealing with supernatural beings, ancestors, or heroes that serves as a fundamental type in the worldview of a people, as by explaining aspects of the natural world or delineating the psychology, customs, or ideals of society: the myth of Eros and Psyche; a creation myth.
b. Such stories considered as a group: the realm of myth.
A popular belief or story that has become associated with a person, institution, or occurrence, especially one considered to illustrate a cultural ideal: a star whose fame turned her into a myth; the pioneer myth of suburbia.
A fiction or half-truth, especially one that forms part of an ideology.
A fictitious story, person, or thing: “German artillery superiority on the Western Front was a myth” (Leon Wolff).

Origin:

Origin: New Latin mȳthus

Origin: , from Late Latin mȳthos

Origin: , from Greek mūthos

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