Difference Between History and Mythology & Their Similarities

Introduction

Ancient times have always been an interesting subject that everyone comes across in their life. We hear tales and fables that are a part of history. These tales of ancient events have helped humanity gain perspective and shaped the modern world.

These ancient times, either factual or imaginative, play a great role in our present directly or indirectly.

You can also find differences between articles on various topics that you need to know. Just tap on the quick link available and get to know the basic differences between them.

What is the Difference Between History and Mythology?

About History 

History is the factual documentation of events that have occurred in the past. Tales and stories of real people and real events comprise the study of history. History deals with the analyzation of past events and questioning their nature and contribution to form the present.

History is a vast arena of study. If history were to be a phenomenon, it’d be called an infinite combination of loops where a new loop is added every moment.

About Mythology

Mythology is the study of myths. In other words, the study of mythology addresses all the tales and fables of the past (mostly godly and supernatural) and derives lessons out of it.

Mythology analyses the ancient stories and myths to determine its reason for the origin and its effect on the present. Mythology is not factual or proven documentation of past events. It is rather a psychological method of narration to prove a point.

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Difference Between History and Mythology

Area Of Differentiation History Mythology
Definition History is the study of factual events that have taken place in the past. Mythology is the study of myths and mythical tales that have shaped the socio-cultural present.
Subject of studies Real events where real people were involved. Mythical events that are expressed in the form of stories.
Types
  • Social History
  • Cultural History
  • Military History
  • Diplomatic History
  • Technological History
  • Economic History
  • Hero Mythology
  • Creation Mythology
  • Religious Mythology.
Examples Invasion of Mughals in the Indian territory. The event of Mahabharata.

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Similarities of History and Mythology

  • Both History and Mythology are past stories. History is the factual arena, whereas mythology is a fable.
  • Both of them shape the present. Historical events have shaped the principles of the present socio-political system. Mythology has shaped the present principles of humankind.
  • History and mythology are a result of human creation.
  • History and mythology affect decisions that are taking place in the present.
  • History has been created every moment. Every gone second is history. Myths are also derived from every gone moment.
  • Both history and mythology are directly related to time. Both belong to the past tense.
  • Proven past is history; unproven is a myth.

Frequently Asked Questions on Difference Between History and Mythology

Question:
Are history and mythology the parts of the same subject?

Answer:
Both history and mythology deal with past events. Both of them have various common principles, but also they tend to possess diversified doctrines. However, history and mythology are two different subjects and might or might not be co-related.

Question:
What are some history that has shaped the present world?

Answer:
The event of Britishers invading India and ruling mercilessly for two hundred years is a great example of history that has shaped the present world. The invasion led to many reforms that ultimately gave us freedom. This historical event has made India what it is now.

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