Pronunciation: [mɪθˈɒləd͡ʒˌa͡ɪz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "mythologise" can be a bit tricky. It is spelled with a "g" before the "i" despite being pronounced like "mythologize." This is due to the word's origin from the Greek word "muthos," which is spelled with a "g" in its original form. In IPA phonetic transcription, "mythologise" is pronounced as /ˈmɪθəlaɪz/ with a stress on the second syllable. It means to create or relate myths or legends.
Mythologise, or mythologize (US spelling), is a term used to describe the act of transforming or interpreting a topic, event, or character into the realm of mythical or legendary status. Derived from the noun "mythology," which refers to a collection of traditional stories or legends, this verb implies the creation or embellishment of a myth or the incorporation of a subject into an existing mythological framework.
When one mythologises something, they often attribute extraordinary qualities, significance, or symbolism to it, exaggerating its attributes or dramatizing its actions to elevate it to a legendary status. This can be seen in various contexts, including literature, art, folklore, and cultural narratives.
Mythologising serves multiple purposes. It can render a historical or factual account more captivating by adding layers of melodrama or fantastical elements, thereby engaging the audience's imagination and emotions. It can also imbue an ordinary figure, place, or concept with symbolic meaning, allowing it to represent something greater or universalize its significance. Furthermore, mythologising can create a sense of collective identity by narrativizing the origins, values, or traditions of a community or culture.
However, it is essential to recognize that mythologising often involves the distortion or fabrication of facts, blurring the line between truth and fiction. While it can be a powerful tool for storytelling, conveying moral lessons, or constructing cultural identity, it is important to approach mythologised accounts with critical analysis and understanding of their mythic nature.
To explain the fabulous history of the heathen.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "mythologise" is derived from the noun "mythology", which comes from the Greek word "mythologia". In Greek, "muthologia" is a compound word consisting of "mythos" meaning "myth" and "logia" meaning "utterance" or "discourse". "Mythos" refers to traditional stories or narratives that explain the origins of certain aspects of the world or society. Over time, the verb form "mythologise" evolved, meaning the act of creating or interpreting myths, or the process of myth-building.
