demythologization
|de-my-tho-lo-gi-za-tion|
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/diːˌmɪθəˌlɑːdʒəˈzeɪʃən/
🇬🇧
/diːˌmɪθəˌlɒdʒəˈzeɪʃən/
(demythologize)
remove mythic elements
Etymology
'demythologization' originates from Modern English, built from the prefix 'de-' (from Latin 'de-' meaning 'away from, remove'), the element 'mytho-' from Greek 'mythos' meaning 'story, myth', 'log' from Greek 'logos' meaning 'word, account, study', the verb-forming suffix '-ize' and the noun-forming suffix '-ation'.
'demythologization' was calqued into English in the 20th century (especially in theological contexts) from German 'Entmythologisierung' and from the verb 'demythologize'; the term became particularly prominent through translations and discussions of Rudolf Bultmann's work on 'Entmythologisierung'.
Initially used to denote the specific theological method of removing mythic language from scripture, its usage broadened to a more general sense of removing mythic or legendary elements from any narrative or belief system.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or process of removing, reducing, or reinterpreting mythic elements in a narrative, text, belief system, or cultural practice.
The demythologization of the saga made its social meanings clearer to modern readers.
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Noun 2
(Theology, especially 20th century) A method of interpretation that strips away mythological language and elements from religious texts to reveal existential or theological truths (associated with Rudolf Bultmann).
Bultmann’s program of demythologization aimed to recover the existential message behind New Testament narratives.
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Last updated: 2026/01/09 02:07