Mythology and Folklore are terms that usually linked together. While at some point mythology and folklore experts has grown separately due to some perceptions and beliefs, these terms remains to be linked due to some defining features that involves tradition, culture and national identity (Bendix & Galit, 2012).
The following definitions will be useful in studying these concepts.
Mythology is a branch of knowledge that deals with myths (Merriam-Webster, n.d.) or socially powerful narrative rooted in the traditions of a specific culture, capable of being understood and appreciated in its own right but at the same time part of a system of stories transmitted orally from one generation to the next to illustrate man's relationship to the cosmos. In traditional societies, myths often serve as the basis for social customs and observances, although their origins may be long-forgotten (Reitz, 2014).
Folklore is a collective term applied since the mid-19th century to the traditions, customs, beliefs, narratives, etc., passed from one generation to the next within a community by word of mouth, without being written down. It includes legends, folktales, songs, nursery rhymes, riddles, superstitions, proverbs, customs, and forms of dance and drama performed at traditional celebrations (Reitz, 2014). Folkloristics is the study of folklore (Merriam-Webster, n.d.)
Image Source: https://metalgaia.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/964390_329719203820336_925162630_o.jpg
Bendix, R. S. & Galit, H. (2012). A Companion to Folklore. Wiley-Blackwell.
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Folkloristics. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved March 19, 2021, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/folkloristics
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Mythology. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved March 19, 2021, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mythology
Reitz, J. (2014). Online Dictionary of Library and Information Science. https://products.abc-clio.com/ODLIS/odlis_about.aspx
