mythopoeic

[mith-uh-pee-ik]

adjective

of or relating to the making of myths; causing, producing, or giving rise to myths.

Also myth·o·po·et·ic

[mith-uh-poh-et-ik] /ˌmɪθ ə poʊˈɛt ɪk/.

Origin of mythopoeic

1840–50; < Greek mȳthopoi(ós) making tales (mȳtho- mytho- + -poios making (poi(eîn) to make + -os adj. suffix) + -ic

Related formsmyth·o·poe·ism, nounmyth·o·poe·ist, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for mythopoeic

Historical Examples of mythopoeic

The early Greek physicists thought that mythopoeic men had been physicists.
Myth, Ritual, and Religion, Vol. 1
Andrew Lang
The believer reasoned from his own prejudiced and mythopoeic conception of people whom he disliked.
Magic and Religion
Andrew Lang
A somewhat higher stage of mythopoeic development is represented by peoples of Oceania and North America.
Introduction to the History of Religions
Crawford Howell Toy
Nevertheless, even in the mythopoeic tales there is a kindred character.
The Divine Adventure etc. (Works vol. 4)
Fiona Macleod
Symonds treats it as an allegory in harmony with the mythopoeic genius of Greek poetry.
Pastoral Poetry and Pastoral Drama
Walter W. Greg

British Dictionary definitions for mythopoeic

mythopoeic

adjective

of or relating to the composition of myths; productive of myths

Derived Formsmythopoeism, nounmythopoeist, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for mythopoeic

adj.

"pertaining to the creation of myths," 1846, from Greek mytho-, comb. form of mythos (see myth) + poiein "to make, create" (see poet).