Comparative mythology refers to the study of myths and religious stories across cultures and societies. Some synonyms for this term include cross-cultural mythology, global mythology, and universal mythology. These phrases all indicate the broad scope of the field, recognizing that myths and religious stories are found across the globe and have been used to explain the human experience throughout history. Other related terms include mythography, which refers to the systematic recording and analysis of myths, and folklore, which encompasses a wide range of cultural traditions passed down through generations and often includes mythical elements. All of these terms capture the richness and complexity of human cultural expression and the place of myths in our understanding of the world.