mythologem

[ mi-thol-uh-juhm ]

noun

1. a basic theme, as of revenge, self-sacrifice, or betrayal, that is shared by cultures throughout the world.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mythologem¹

1880–85; < Greek mȳthológēma mythical narrative, equivalent to mȳthologē- (variant stem of mȳthologeîn to tell as a legend; mytho-, logos ) + -ma noun suffix

Example Sentences

The core of the mythologem is that, whatever would happen, the gods would never actually allow the extinction of the human race.

From Time