Chapter XXXIII

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE PRESERVATION OF MYTHS =297.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading The following is a brief account of mythical prophets, of mythical musicians and poets, and of the actual poets and historians who recorded the mythologies from which English literature draws its classical myths,--the Greek, the Roman, the Norse, and the German.

given official approval to act

From this reading Most of them are probably as mythical as the songs with which they are accredited.

presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible

From this reading The following is a brief account of mythical prophets, of mythical musicians and poets, and of the actual poets and historians who recorded the mythologies from which English literature draws its classical myths,--the Greek, the Roman, the Norse, and the German.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Many of these early bards are mere names to us.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Most of them are probably as mythical as the songs with which they are accredited.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

of short duration or distance

From this reading The following is a brief account of mythical prophets, of mythical musicians and poets, and of the actual poets and historians who recorded the mythologies from which English literature draws its classical myths,--the Greek, the Roman, the Norse, and the German.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

sung or uttered rhythmically in a monotone

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

the leader of a group of people

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

of or relating to the first significant period of a civilization, culture, area of study, etc.

From this reading The following is a brief account of mythical prophets, of mythical musicians and poets, and of the actual poets and historians who recorded the mythologies from which English literature draws its classical myths,--the Greek, the Roman, the Norse, and the German.

plural of “college” — the body of faculty and students of a college

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

plural of “draw” — a gully that is shallower than a ravine

From this reading The following is a brief account of mythical prophets, of mythical musicians and poets, and of the actual poets and historians who recorded the mythologies from which English literature draws its classical myths,--the Greek, the Roman, the Norse, and the German.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading Many of these early bards are mere names to us.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading The following is a brief account of mythical prophets, of mythical musicians and poets, and of the actual poets and historians who recorded the mythologies from which English literature draws its classical myths,--the Greek, the Roman, the Norse, and the German.

plural of “family” — a social unit living together

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading The following is a brief account of mythical prophets, of mythical musicians and poets, and of the actual poets and historians who recorded the mythologies from which English literature draws its classical myths,--the Greek, the Roman, the Norse, and the German.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

a person of German nationality

From this reading The following is a brief account of mythical prophets, of mythical musicians and poets, and of the actual poets and historians who recorded the mythologies from which English literature draws its classical myths,--the Greek, the Roman, the Norse, and the German.

the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

the Hellenic branch of the Indo-European family of languages

From this reading The following is a brief account of mythical prophets, of mythical musicians and poets, and of the actual poets and historians who recorded the mythologies from which English literature draws its classical myths,--the Greek, the Roman, the Norse, and the German.

plural of “harpist” — someone who plays the harp

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

plural of “historian” — a person who is an authority on history and who studies it and writes about it

From this reading The following is a brief account of mythical prophets, of mythical musicians and poets, and of the actual poets and historians who recorded the mythologies from which English literature draws its classical myths,--the Greek, the Roman, the Norse, and the German.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

plural of “hymn” — a song of praise (to God or to a saint or to a nation)

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

the act of beginning something new

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The following is a brief account of mythical prophets, of mythical musicians and poets, and of the actual poets and historians who recorded the mythologies from which English literature draws its classical myths,--the Greek, the Roman, the Norse, and the German.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The following is a brief account of mythical prophets, of mythical musicians and poets, and of the actual poets and historians who recorded the mythologies from which English literature draws its classical myths,--the Greek, the Roman, the Norse, and the German.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

creative writing of recognized artistic value

From this reading The following is a brief account of mythical prophets, of mythical musicians and poets, and of the actual poets and historians who recorded the mythologies from which English literature draws its classical myths,--the Greek, the Roman, the Norse, and the German.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Many of these early bards are mere names to us.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading Many of these early bards are mere names to us.

plural of “minstrel” — a singer of folk songs

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Most of them are probably as mythical as the songs with which they are accredited.

plural of “musician” — someone who plays a musical instrument (as a profession)

From this reading The following is a brief account of mythical prophets, of mythical musicians and poets, and of the actual poets and historians who recorded the mythologies from which English literature draws its classical myths,--the Greek, the Roman, the Norse, and the German.

based on or told of in traditional stories; lacking factual basis or historical validity

From this reading Most of them are probably as mythical as the songs with which they are accredited.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The following is a brief account of mythical prophets, of mythical musicians and poets, and of the actual poets and historians who recorded the mythologies from which English literature draws its classical myths,--the Greek, the Roman, the Norse, and the German.

plural of “myth” — a traditional story accepted as history; serves to explain the world view of a people

From this reading THE PRESERVATION OF MYTHS =297.

verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument

From this reading Many of these early bards are mere names to us.

plural of “narrative” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

an inhabitant of Scandinavia

From this reading The following is a brief account of mythical prophets, of mythical musicians and poets, and of the actual poets and historians who recorded the mythologies from which English literature draws its classical myths,--the Greek, the Roman, the Norse, and the German.

occurring from time to time

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE PRESERVATION OF MYTHS =297.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

plural of “poet” — a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)

From this reading The following is a brief account of mythical prophets, of mythical musicians and poets, and of the actual poets and historians who recorded the mythologies from which English literature draws its classical myths,--the Greek, the Roman, the Norse, and the German.

regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

the activity of protecting something from loss or danger

From this reading THE PRESERVATION OF MYTHS =297.

prevented from decaying or spoiling and prepared for future use

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

plural of “priest” — a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

blessed with privileges

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading Most of them are probably as mythical as the songs with which they are accredited.

engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

the second of three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures

From this reading The following is a brief account of mythical prophets, of mythical musicians and poets, and of the actual poets and historians who recorded the mythologies from which English literature draws its classical myths,--the Greek, the Roman, the Norse, and the German.

set down or registered in a permanent form especially on film or tape for reproduction

From this reading The following is a brief account of mythical prophets, of mythical musicians and poets, and of the actual poets and historians who recorded the mythologies from which English literature draws its classical myths,--the Greek, the Roman, the Norse, and the German.

relating to or characteristic of people of Rome

From this reading The following is a brief account of mythical prophets, of mythical musicians and poets, and of the actual poets and historians who recorded the mythologies from which English literature draws its classical myths,--the Greek, the Roman, the Norse, and the German.

concerned with religion or religious purposes

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

plural of “song” — a short musical composition with words

From this reading Most of them are probably as mythical as the songs with which they are accredited.

the imperial dynasty of China from 960 to 1279; noted for art and literature and philosophy

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE PRESERVATION OF MYTHS =297.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Most of them are probably as mythical as the songs with which they are accredited.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Many of these early bards are mere names to us.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Most of them are probably as mythical as the songs with which they are accredited.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

consisting of or derived from tradition

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

plural of “tradition” — an inherited pattern of thought or action

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Many of these early bards are mere names to us.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

migratory

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Most of them are probably as mythical as the songs with which they are accredited.

which person or people

From this reading The following is a brief account of mythical prophets, of mythical musicians and poets, and of the actual poets and historians who recorded the mythologies from which English literature draws its classical myths,--the Greek, the Roman, the Norse, and the German.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Most of them are probably as mythical as the songs with which they are accredited.

the act of creating written works

From this reading Traditional History.= Before the introduction of writing, myths were preserved in popular traditions, in the sacred ceremonials of colleges of priests, in the narratives chanted by families of minstrels or by professional bards wandering from village to village or from court to court, and in occasional hymns sung by privileged harpists, like Demodocus of Phæacia,[393] in honor of a chieftain, an ancestor, or a god.