ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

National myth

A national myth is like a story that a whole country believes in. It's a way of explaining how the country came to be and what makes it special.

Just like when you read a storybook, a national myth has characters, events, and places that represent important ideas. For example, in the United States, the national myth includes stories about the Founding Fathers, who were the leaders that helped create the country.

These stories might not always be completely true, but they help people feel like they belong to a special group - in this case, American citizens. It helps them understand their history and feel proud of their country.

So, a national myth is an important idea that helps people understand their country's history, culture, and values. It's like a special story that everyone believes in and makes them feel like they are part of something bigger.