MalocaA traditional longhouse found in the Amazon Basin, used by indigenous groups for communal living and spiritual ceremonies.
Mami WataA water spirit venerated in West and Central African traditional religions, as well as in the African diaspora. She is associated with fertility, healing, and wealth, and often appears as a beautiful woman or mermaid.
ManaA spiritual force or power that resides in people, objects, and the environment. In many Oceanic cultures, mana is believed to be the source of authority, influence, and life, and it can be gained or lost through actions and rituals.
MandalaA spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism representing the universe.
ManitouA spiritual force or being in Algonquian belief systems, representing the spirit that exists in all things, whether living or non-living. Manitou is often associated with nature and the divine presence in the world.
MantraA sacred syllable, word, or phrase in Hinduism and Buddhism, believed to have spiritual power and often used in meditation or rituals. Famous mantras include "Om" and the Gayatri Mantra..
Māori Creation Chant (Karanga)A traditional recitation that describes the creation of the world and the arrival of life. This chant often includes references to deities, natural elements, and the ancestral connections that shape Māori identity and worldview.
Medicine WheelA sacred symbol representing the circle of life, used for healing and teaching in many Native American cultures.
MiasmaA highly unpleasant or unhealthy atmosphere; in mythology, often a curse or pollution.
MokshaThe ultimate goal in Hindu philosophy, representing liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara), and union with the divine or universal consciousness.
MonomythAlso known as the "Hero's Journey," a common narrative structure in myths where a hero goes on an adventure, faces trials, achieves victory, and returns transformed. Coined by Joseph Campbell.
Mythic CycleA group of related myths that revolve around a specific theme, character, or event, often forming a coherent narrative, like the Arthurian legends or the Mahabharata.
Mythic StructureThe common patterns and forms found in myths, including themes, character roles, and narrative arcs that recur across cultures.
MythopoeiaThe act of creating new mythologies or mythological worlds.
Mythoshe traditional stories, legends, and beliefs that form the foundation of a particular mythology or cultural narrative.
