Concept
An origin myth is a type of myth that explains the beginnings of a natural or social aspect of the world. One specific kind of origin myth is the creation or cosmogonic myth, which narrates the formation of the universe. However, numerous cultures have stories that take place after the initial origin. These stories aim to explain the origins of natural phenomena or human institutions within an already existing world. In Graeco-Roman scholarship, the terms etiological myth and aition (derived from the Ancient Greek word αἴτιον, meaning "cause") are occasionally used to describe a myth that clarifies an origin, particularly how an object or custom came into existence. Origin myths are narratives that explain how a particular reality came into existence. They often serve to justify the established order by attributing its establishment to sacred forces (see Social function section below). The line between cosmogonic myths (which describe the origin of the world) and origin myths is not always clear. A myth about the origin of a specific part of the world assumes the existence of the world itself, which often relies on a cosmogonic myth. Therefore, origin myths can be seen as expanding upon and building upon their cultures' cosmogonic myths. In traditional cultures, it is common for the recitation of an origin myth to be preceded by the recitation of a cosmogonic myth. Within academic circles, the term "myth" is often used specifically to refer to origin and cosmogonic myths. Folklorists, for example, reserve the term "myth" for stories that describe creation. Stories that do not primarily focus on origins are categorized as "legend" or "folk tale," which are distinct from myths according to folklorists. Mircea Eliade, a historian, argues that in many traditional cultures, almost every sacred story can be considered an origin myth. Traditional societies often pattern their behavior after sacred events and view their lives as a cyclical return to a mythical age.