What is Mythopoesis?

• A. Mythopoesis is the study of ancient myths.
• B. Mythopoesis is the creation or crafting of myth-like narratives.
• C. Mythopoesis is the destruction of myths.
• D. Mythopoesis is the reproduction of myths in modern media.

Answer: (B)

Mythopoesis is the creation or crafting of myth-like narratives. It focuses on inventing new myths—building worlds, gods or heroes, origin stories, and symbolic systems that express meaning or explore cultural questions. It’s about the act of making myths, not studying existing ones. So when a writer fashions a brand-new mythos to probe contemporary themes, they’re engaging in mythopoesis. This differs from analyzing or recording ancient myths (mythology or mythography), from erasing or demythologizing myths, or from simply retelling myths in modern media (adaptation) rather than creating something new.