Mystical vs. Mythical: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Mystical pertains to spiritual or mysterious experiences, while mythical refers to fictional or legendary stories and beings.
Key Differences
Mystical relates to spiritual or supernatural experiences that are beyond ordinary understanding. Mythical, however, pertains to myths, fictional tales often involving gods, heroes, or supernatural beings.
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Mystical experiences are often personal, relating to a deep spiritual understanding or enlightenment. Mythical stories are shared cultural tales, conveying moral, historical, or entertaining narratives.
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Mystical experiences are rooted in religious, spiritual, or metaphysical realms. Mythical elements originate from ancient folklore and mythology, often passed down through generations.
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Mystical experiences can be profoundly personal and subjective, often defying logical explanation. Mythical stories, while not factual, are often symbolic, carrying deeper meanings and cultural significance.
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Mystical aspects are expressed through rituals, meditation, and spiritual practices. Mythical content is represented in literature, art, and oral traditions, shaping cultural and historical narratives.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Pertaining to spiritual experiences or the supernatural
Relating to myths or legendary tales
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Nature of Experience
Personal, spiritual enlightenment
Cultural, shared storytelling
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Interpretation
Subjective, beyond logical understanding
Symbolic, with cultural significance
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Expression
Rituals, meditation, spiritual practices
Literature, art, oral traditions
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Mystical and Mythical Definitions
Mystical
Mystical refers to things that are mysterious and unexplainable.
The mystical aura of the forest at night was captivating.
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Mythical
Mythical creatures are part of fictional narratives.
Dragons are popular mythical creatures in many cultures.
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Mystical
Mystical traditions are integral to many religions.
Sufism is known for its mystical interpretation of Islam.
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Mythical
Mythical tales carry symbolic meanings.
The mythical story of Icarus warns against overambition.
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Mystical
Mystical experiences often lead to enlightenment.
Through meditation, he had a mystical revelation.
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Mythical
Mythical stories often form part of a culture's identity.
The mythical tales of King Arthur are central to British folklore.
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Mystical
Mystical can imply a supernatural aspect.
They felt a mystical presence in the ancient temple.
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Mythical
Mythical stories often involve legendary figures.
Hercules is a character from Greek mythical lore.
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Mystical
Of, relating to, or stemming from mysticism or immediate understanding of spiritual matters, especially when experienced as direct communion with God
A mystical trance.
A mystical treatise.
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Mythical
Mythical narratives are a staple of folklore.
Each culture has its unique collection of mythical tales.
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Mystical
Symbolic or allegorical, especially with regard to spirituality
A mystical interpretation of a parable.
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Mystical
Awe-inspiring or mysterious
"Had his dabbling in the unknown awakened a liking for more mystical sounds, the magical conjuring of sea upon the shore?" (Daphne du Maurier).
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Mystical
Believed or maintained with awe or deep respect, especially when contrary to or lacking factual evidence
Mystical theories about the securities market.
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Mythical
Often mythic Of, relating to, or having the nature of a myth
A novel of profound, almost mythic consequence.
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Mystical
Of or relating to mystic rites or practices
Stones arranged in a mystical circle.
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Mystical
Having a spiritual or magical significance that transcends human understanding.
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Mythical
Based on or told of in traditional stories; lacking factual basis or historical validity;
Mythical centaurs
The fabulous unicorn
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Mystical
Relating to or resembling mysticism;
Mystical intuition
Mystical theories about the securities market
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Mystical
Having an import not apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence; beyond ordinary understanding;
Mysterious symbols
The mystical style of Blake
Occult lore
The secret learning of the ancients
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Mystical
Mystical experiences involve a deep spiritual connection.
Her mystical journey led to profound inner peace.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are mystical experiences religious?
Mystical experiences can be religious but also transcend specific religions, being more broadly spiritual.
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What does mystical mean?
Mystical refers to experiences or aspects that are spiritual or supernatural.
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Can something be both mystical and mythical?
While rare, some narratives or beliefs may blend both mystical spirituality and mythical storytelling.
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How are mythical creatures created?
Mythical creatures are often born from cultural folklore and shared human imagination across history.
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Are mythical stories true?
Mythical stories are not factual but can contain truths or lessons about human nature and culture.
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What is mythical?
Mythical pertains to myths, fictional or legendary stories often involving supernatural beings or events.
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Do mythical stories always involve gods?
Not always; mythical stories can include a wide range of beings, from heroes to monsters, not just gods.
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Is mystical associated with magic?
Mystical can be associated with magical or supernatural phenomena, though it's often more spiritual than magical.
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What's the purpose of mystical practices?
Mystical practices aim to achieve spiritual insight, enlightenment, or a deeper understanding of the universe.
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Can mystical experiences be shared?
While deeply personal, mystical experiences can be shared through descriptions, but their essence might be difficult to fully convey.
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Can a person have a mystical experience?
Yes, individuals can have mystical experiences, often described as profound and transformative.
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Can mystical experiences be explained scientifically?
Mystical experiences often defy scientific explanation, as they transcend empirical understanding.
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How do children learn about mythical creatures?
Children often learn about mythical creatures through stories, literature, and cultural traditions.
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What is the role of mythical tales in education?
Mythical tales in education can teach moral lessons, cultural history, and stimulate imagination.
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What's an example of a mythical hero?
Achilles from Greek mythology is an example of a mythical hero.
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Do all cultures have mythical tales?
Yes, most cultures have their own set of mythical tales that are part of their heritage and worldview.
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Can mystical experiences be induced?
Some believe that mystical experiences can be induced through practices like meditation, prayer, or certain rituals.
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Is meditation a mystical practice?
Meditation can be a mystical practice if it's used for spiritual enlightenment or connecting with the supernatural.
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Are mystical beliefs part of philosophy?
Mystical beliefs intersect with philosophy, especially in areas concerning metaphysics and the nature of reality.
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How old are mythical stories?
Many mythical stories are ancient, originating thousands of years ago, though new myths can still be created.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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