An etiological myth, or origin myth, is a myth intended to explain the origins of cult practices, natural phenomena, proper names and the like, or create a mythic history for a place or family. For example, the name Delphi and its associated deity, Apollon Delphinios, are explained in the Homeric Hymn which tells of how Apollo carried Cretans over the sea in the shape of a dolphin () to make them his priests.
An etiological myth, such as an origin myth, is meant to explain religious practices, natural phenomena, names, or create a mythical history for areas or families. For example, the Homeric Hymn describes how Apollo transported Cretans across the sea in the shape of a dolphin to make them his priests.