The Most Popular Mythology, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the mythology you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:44
In a world brimming with diverse cultures, myths have always served as a window into the values, fears, and hopes of societies. Ranking the most popular mythology isn't just about seeing which stories are cherished—it's about understanding what intrigues the human spirit across different lands and eras.
By participating in this dynamic ranking, users contribute to a broader collective insight into which tales resonate the most in contemporary times. Your votes help illuminate the narratives that continue to captivate imaginations, providing a unique perspective on the myths that shape our world.
What Is the Most Popular Mythology?
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1104votes
Unknown artistUnknown artist · Public domainGreek mythology is the most popular mythology as it has a vast collection of myths, gods, and heroes that have influenced literature, art, and culture for centuries. It has also been adapted into several Hollywood movies and TV shows.Greek mythology refers to a collection of myths and legends that originated in ancient Greece. These stories were passed down through generations and played a significant role in Greek culture, religion, and society. Greek mythology encompasses a wide range of narratives about gods, heroes, and other mythological creatures. The tales often explore themes of love, honor, betrayal, and the struggle between mortals and immortals.- Pantheon of Gods: Greek mythology features a complex pantheon of gods and goddesses, led by Zeus, the king of the gods.
- Creation Myth: One of the key aspects of Greek mythology is the creation myth, which describes the origins of the world and the gods.
- Heroic Epics: Greek mythology includes well-known heroic epics such as the Iliad and the Odyssey, attributed to the poet Homer.
- Mythological Creatures: Numerous mythological creatures are featured in Greek mythology, including centaurs, minotaurs, sirens, and the mighty Hydra.
- Olympian Gods: The Greek pantheon consists of twelve major Olympian gods, including Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Hades, Demeter, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Ares, Aphrodite, Hephaestus, and Hermes.
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231votes
Lorenz Frølich · Public domainNorse mythology is the second most popular mythology and includes tales of gods, giants, and heroes. It is known for its unique characters such as Odin, Thor, and Loki. It has also gained popularity due to the Marvel comic book adaptations.Norse mythology refers to the collection of myths and legends originating from the pre-Christian societies of Scandinavia and Iceland. It forms an essential part of the cultural and religious beliefs of the Norse people.- Gods and Goddesses: The mythology features a complex pantheon of deities including Odin, Thor, Freya, Loki, and many others.
- Nine Worlds: Norse mythology describes a cosmology with nine interconnected worlds, including Asgard (the home of the gods), Midgard (the world of humans), and Niflheim (the land of the dead).
- Ragnarok: Ragnarok is a significant event within Norse mythology, representing a series of catastrophic events that lead to the end of the world and subsequent rebirth.
- Runes: Runes, ancient Norse symbols, held mystical and magical significance. They were used for divination and to invoke the power of the gods.
- Norse Creation Myth: The Norse creation myth centers around the primordial being Ymir and the formation of the world through the sacrifice of Ymir's body.
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328votes
MusikAnimal · CC BY-SA 3.0Egyptian mythology is one of the oldest mythologies and includes stories of gods, pharaohs, and the afterlife. It has a rich collection of myths and legends that have influenced art and culture for centuries.Egyptian mythology refers to the collection of myths, religious beliefs, and rituals that were followed by the ancient Egyptians. It played a significant role in shaping the civilization and culture of ancient Egypt, influencing their society, art, and the understanding of the afterlife. The mythology was deeply intertwined with the daily life and religious practices of the Egyptians.- Polytheistic: Belief in multiple deities
- Pharaoh: God-king who played a central role in religious ceremonies and rituals
- Osiris: God of the afterlife, resurrection, and fertility
- Isis: Goddess of magic, motherhood, and healing
- Ra: Sun god and the most important deity
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414votes
Jonoikobangali · Public domainHindu mythology includes a vast collection of stories and legends that are deeply rooted in Indian culture. It includes tales of gods, goddesses, and heroes and has influenced art, music, and literature for centuries.Hindu mythology is a complex and rich collection of beliefs, stories, and gods that are deeply ingrained in the religion of Hinduism. It is one of the oldest and most extensive mythologies in the world, spanning over several millennia. Hindu mythology encompasses a diverse range of narratives, legends, and cosmologies that discuss creation, gods, goddesses, heroes, and their interactions with humans and the universe.- Religious Texts: Hindu mythology is predominantly found in ancient Indian scriptures and epics, such as the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana.
- Multiple Deities: One of the distinct features of Hindu mythology is the multitude of gods and goddesses, with Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva being the most prominent deities of the Trimurti.
- Avatars: Hindu mythology believes in the concept of avatars, where deities descend to earth in human or animal form to restore cosmic balance and defeat evil forces. The most well-known avatar is Lord Krishna.
- Vast Pantheon: Hindu mythology includes an extensive pantheon of gods and goddesses, including but not limited to Lakshmi, Saraswati, Durga, Ganesh, Hanuman, and Kali.
- Laws of Karma: The concept of karma, based on actions and their consequences, is an essential aspect of Hindu mythology, where individuals are believed to go through cycles of life, death, and rebirth.
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517votes
AnonymousUnknown author · Public domainChinese mythology includes tales of gods, dragons, and spirits. It has a rich collection of stories that have influenced Chinese culture for centuries. It is also known for its unique characters such as the Monkey King.Chinese mythology refers to the collection of myths, folktales, and legends that have been passed down through generations in Chinese culture. It encompasses a wide variety of stories that reflect the beliefs, practices, and values of the Chinese people. Chinese mythology is rich in symbolism and features a rich pantheon of deities, legendary heroes, and mythical creatures. Many of these myths are intertwined with Chinese history, philosophy, and religion.- Yin and Yang: The concept of dualism and the interplay of opposing forces.
- The Four Symbols: Four mythological creatures associated with the cardinal directions: Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, and Black Tortoise.
- Journey to the West: An epic novel featuring the Monkey King and his companions on a journey full of adventure and spiritual transformation.
- Creation Myths: Various stories explaining the origins of the world and humankind, such as Pangu separating the chaos of yin and yang.
- Dragon: A powerful and benevolent creature considered the embodiment of imperial power and good fortune.
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613votesCeltic mythology includes tales of gods, goddesses, and heroes from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It has influenced literature, art, and culture for centuries and is known for its unique characters such as Cuchulainn and the Banshee.Celtic mythology refers to the collection of beliefs, stories, and traditions of the Celtic people, who inhabited parts of Europe, particularly Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany. It is a rich and diverse mythology that encompasses gods, goddesses, heroes, spirits, and magical creatures.
- Geographical Focus: Celtic mythology is primarily associated with Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany.
- Deities: The mythology includes various gods and goddesses such as Dagda, Morrigan, Lugh, Brigid, and Cernunnos.
- Heroic Figures: Prominent heroes and heroines include Cu Chulainn, Finn Mac Cool, and Queen Medb.
- Otherworldly Realms: Celtic mythology often portrays the existence of supernatural realms, such as Tir na nOg (Land of the Young) and Mag Mell (Plain of Delight).
- Cycles of Life and Nature: The mythology often emphasizes the connection between the natural world, the cycles of life, and the seasons.
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718votesJapanese mythology includes tales of gods, goddesses, and spirits. It has a rich collection of stories that have influenced Japanese culture for centuries. It is known for its unique characters such as the Shinto gods and the Yokai.Japanese mythology refers to the collection of traditional beliefs, legends, and folklore that have shaped the cultural and religious landscape of Japan. With roots dating back thousands of years, Japanese mythology is a rich tapestry of gods, goddesses, spirits, and legendary creatures. It encompasses a wide range of themes including creation myths, heroic tales, and supernatural beings.
- Shinto Influence: Japanese mythology is closely intertwined with Shintoism, the indigenous religion of Japan.
- Kami: Kami are divine spirits that can be found in natural elements and objects, and they play a central role in Japanese mythology.
- Creation Myths: Japanese mythology includes various creation myths, such as the story of Izanagi and Izanami, the divine couple who gave birth to the islands of Japan and numerous gods.
- Yōkai: Yōkai are supernatural creatures in Japanese mythology, ranging from mischievous spirits to fearsome monsters.
- Amaterasu: Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun, is one of the most important deities in Japanese mythology and a prominent figure in Shinto religion.
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811votes
Roman mythology
Roman civilizationRoman mythology is closely related to Greek mythology and includes tales of gods, goddesses, and heroes. It has influenced literature, art, and culture for centuries and is known for its unique characters such as Jupiter, Mars, and Venus.Roman mythology refers to the collection of myths and legends that were followed by the ancient Romans. It was an integral part of their religion and culture, providing explanations for natural phenomena, defining their beliefs, and influencing their daily lives.- Influenced by Greek mythology: Roman mythology drew heavily from Greek mythology and incorporated many of the same gods and goddesses, often with different names.
- Polytheistic religion: Roman mythology featured a pantheon of gods and goddesses, with Jupiter, Juno, Mars, Venus, and Neptune being among the most important deities.
- Divine hierarchy: The Roman gods and goddesses were organized in a hierarchical structure, with Jupiter as the king of gods and ruler of the sky.
- Myths and epic poems: Roman mythology consisted of various myths and epic poems that told stories of the gods, heroes, and legendary events.
- Influence on Roman society: Roman mythology influenced various aspects of Roman society, including art, literature, philosophy, and even political organization.
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98votesAboriginal mythology includes a vast collection of stories and legends from the indigenous people of Australia. It includes tales of creation, gods, and spirits, and has influenced Australian culture for centuries.Aboriginal mythology is the traditional belief system of the indigenous peoples of Australia, the Aboriginal Australians. It encompasses a rich and diverse collection of stories, legends, and spiritual teachings passed down through oral traditions for thousands of years. These mythologies hold deep significance for Aboriginal people, connecting them to their ancestors, the land, and the spiritual realm.
- Dreamtime: A term used to describe the Aboriginal creation myths and ancestral times.
- Ancestors' journey: Belief in the ancestral beings' travels, shaping the land, flora, fauna, and landscapes.
- Totemic relationships: The close connection between individuals or groups and specific animals, plants, or natural objects.
- Songlines: Incorporating songs, music, and dance to pass down knowledge, cultural practices, and spiritual teachings.
- Connection to land: A fundamental aspect of Aboriginal mythology, emphasizing the deep connection between the people and their ancestral lands.
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104votesAztec mythology includes tales of gods, goddesses, and heroes from ancient Mexico. It has a rich collection of stories that have influenced Mexican culture for centuries. It is known for its unique characters such as Quetzalcoatl and Huitzilopochtli.Aztec mythology refers to the religious beliefs and practices of the Aztec civilization in ancient Mesoamerica. It was a complex polytheistic system centered around worshiping a pantheon of gods and goddesses, explaining the creation of the world, and guiding the behavior and rituals of the Aztec people. The mythology played a central role in Aztec society and influenced various aspects of daily life.
- Polytheistic System: Aztec mythology featured a vast array of gods and goddesses, each representing different aspects of nature, society, and human behavior.
- Creation Myth: It includes a creation myth explaining the birth of the world and humanity, involving various gods sacrificing themselves to create the Earth.
- Sun God: The most important deity was Huitzilopochtli, the god of the sun and war, who played a crucial role in Aztec rituals and warfare.
- Human Sacrifice: Human sacrifice was a significant aspect of Aztec mythology, believed to be necessary for maintaining the cosmic balance and appeasing the gods.
- Snake Deities: Quetzalcoatl and Tlaloc were two prominent gods in Aztec mythology, often depicted as feathered serpents.
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Ranking factors for popular mythology
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Cultural InfluenceConsider the extent to which the mythology has impacted and shaped the culture, customs, values, and beliefs of the people associated with it. This may include how widely and deeply the mythology has been ingrained in their literature, art, music, and other forms of expression.
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Historical ImpactEvaluate how the mythology has influenced history, including the development of societies, political structures, religions, and other aspects of human civilization.
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Geographical DistributionAssess the extent to which the mythology is known and acknowledged across different regions, both within its culture of origin and worldwide.
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Complexity and Richness of StoriesLook into the depth and variety of stories, characters, themes, and symbolism within the mythology, as this can be an important factor in its popularity and staying power.
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TimelessnessConsider the longevity of the mythology and its ability to remain relevant and relatable across different time periods and cultural shifts.
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Adaptations and Modern InterpretationsEvaluate the extent to which the mythology has been adapted, reimagined, and represented in various forms of storytelling, including books, movies, TV shows, video games, and other media.
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Popularization by Notable Figures and EventsExamine the role of prominent individuals, organizations, and events in promoting and spreading awareness of the mythology.
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Educational SignificanceAssess the importance of the mythology in the education system, including the extent to which it is taught and studied in schools, universities, and other institutions.
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Intercultural Interest and AppealConsider the ability of the mythology to capture the imagination and curiosity of people from diverse cultural backgrounds. This may be an indicator of the mythology's resonance and universal appeal.
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Contemporary RelevanceEvaluate the mythology's relevance in today's world, including its ability to address current issues, themes, and questions faced by humanity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular mythology. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or mythology is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 4487 views
- 220 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each mythology once every 24 hours. The rank of each mythology is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular mythology
Mythology has been an integral part of human culture since ancient times. It is a collection of stories, legends, and beliefs that attempt to explain the mysteries of the world and the human condition. From the Greek gods and heroes to the Norse gods and goddesses, from the Hindu epics to the Native American creation stories, every culture has its own rich mythology.
But what is the most popular mythology? It's a difficult question to answer definitively because popularity can be subjective and can vary depending on the region and the time period. However, based on the number of references and adaptations in popular culture, Greek mythology is arguably the most well-known and widely recognized. The tales of Zeus, Poseidon, Athena, and other Greek gods and goddesses have been depicted in countless books, movies, TV shows, and video games.
That being said, other mythologies such as Norse, Egyptian, Hindu, and Chinese also have a strong following and continue to captivate people's imaginations. Ultimately, the most popular mythology is a matter of personal preference and interest.
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