Northrop Frye focused on literary criticism, particularly how myths function as structural components in literature. He defined myth as a type of story, looking at its narrative qualities without judging it as true or false. For Frye, myths are essential cultural stories that resonate deeply within a society, reflecting its core beliefs and identity.

In his exploration, Frye emphasized that these myths are not just fanciful tales but are vital to understanding a culture's self-concept. They are the narratives that individuals and communities consider significant and foundational, serving as a lens through which they interpret their existence.