Historical myth: definition, formation, transformation (theoretical aspect)

The relevance of the problem of theorising historical myth and derivative concepts is due to the widespread use of this terminology in the modern information space. At the same time, society has formed an erroneous interpretation of historical myths based on their identification with fairy tales, fables, and lies in the broadest sense. The study object was theoretical discussions on the definition of historical myth, mechanisms of its formation and transformation. Within the framework of the publication the study purpose was realised by solving the following research tasks: analyse the main approaches dominating in the world humanities in relation to the definition of the concept of “myth”; identify the interrelationships between the definitions of “history” and “myth”; outline the key stages of the formation of the historical myth, its functions and typology. The theoretical and methodological tools of the study are based on an analytical and synthetic analysis of scientific publications by authors who have dealt with the theorisation of historical myth and related concepts. The article states the continuity of discussions on the definition and correlation of the concepts of “historical/historiographical myth” and the need to involve a wide range of specialists from a number of other disciplines. At the same time, it is emphasised that a noticeable intensification of theoretical research on the problems of defining historical myth is associated with the cultural and anthropological turn in the humanities and the influence of French analysts. The author also clarifies the content of the concepts of “modern myth” and “national myth”.