Although both maze and labyrinth depict a complex and confusing series of pathways, the two are different. A maze is a complex, branching (multicursal) puzzle that includes choices of path and direction, while a labyrinth is unicursal, i.e., has only a single, non-branching path, which leads to the center.
Comparison chart
Labyrinth versus Maze comparison chart  | Labyrinth | Maze |
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| Meaning | A labyrinth is a maze that has a single through-route with twists and turns but without branches. | A maze is a confusing pathway that has many branches, choices of path and dead-ends. |
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| Level of difficulty | A labyrinth is not designed to be difficult to navigate. It may be long but there is only one path (unicursal). | A maze is a tour puzzle and can be designed with various levels of difficulty and complexity. |
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| Entry and exit | A labyrinth has only one entrance and that is also the exit. There is just one path from the entrance to the center. | A maze may have different entry and exit points. |
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| Significance | Some labyrinths have a spiritual significance. They signify the complex and long path to reach God. | Mazes are used in science experiments to study spatial awareness and (sometimes) intelligence. |
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Difficulty
A labyrinth may be complex but is not difficult to navigate because it has a single unambiguous route to the center and back. Mazes can be constructed with varying levels of difficulty and complexity.
Here's an example of a labyrinth:
An example of a labyrinth
And here are some examples of a maze:
A standard, square maze |
A circular maze |
A maze made from Lego blocks |
Entry and Exit
A labyrinth typically has only one entrance and the objective is to get to the center and then return. On the other hand, a maze may have an entrance and an exit with a complex path between the two.
History
Labyrinth is a word of pre-Greek ("Pelasgian") origin absorbed by Classical Greek. It is also related to Lydian labrys which means double-edged axe and ‘inthos’ means place.
- Coins from Knossos dated 3rd centure BC depict labyrinth symbols.
- Greek mythology - King Minos of Crete constructed the Labyrinth with the help of a craftsman Daedalus. Within it was the half-bull, half-human offspring of Minos' wife Pasiphae called Minotaur. In fact Daedalus and his son Icarus had difficulty getting out of it.
- Another legend states that the Cretan labyrinth had been a dancing-ground and was made for Ariadne, Minos' daughter. When Theseus, the son of Aegeus, King of Athens went inside the labyrinth to kill the Minotaur, Ariadne gave him a ball of string. Theseus used it and came out safely. This was mentioned by Homer in the Iliad xviii.590–593.
- Pliny's Natural History mentions four ancient labyrinths: the Cretan labyrinth, an "Egyptian labyrinth", a "Lemnian labyrinth" and an "Italian labyrinth". Herodotus, in Book II of his Histories, describes a "labyrinth" as a building complex in Egypt. Pliny mentioned the legendary Smilis as Lemnian labyrinth however Andrew Stewart regards it as a Samian temple's location en limnais, 'in the marsh'". Pliny also regarded the tomb of the great Etruscan general Lars Porsena as an Italian labyrinth, containing an underground maze but it seems as if he himself had not seen the labyrinth.
The word maze does not have much of a history. There was no distinction between the usage of the word maze and labyrinth. It was a place where you could wander in confusion or get lost. In modern times there are different types of maze:
- Logic mazes have rules for going in various directions.
- Mazes in three or more dimensions e.g. maze of bridges or natural caves.
- Picture maze forms a picture when solved.
- Ball-in-a-maze puzzles involve navigating a ball through a maze or labyrinth.
- Dead end maze is a maze game where the route creates the dead ends.
- Turf mazes and Mizmazes is a pattern like a long rope folded up, without any junctions or crossings.
- Loops and Traps Maze is a maze that features one-way doors. The opening doors may create dead ends and loops and lead you back to the starting point instead of the end point.
In 1970 there was craze for maze; it was equally famous among children and adults. Vladimir Koziakin, Rick and Glory Brightfield, Dave Phillips, Larry Evans, and Greg Bright were famous for their puzzle books. In later years people became more and more innovative with their drawings of mazes. Larry Evans and Bernard Meyers made mazes on 3-D structures.
Significance
A labyrinth was considered a trap for mean spirits. In some places it is depicted as a path for ritual dances. In medieval times it took a more spiritual notion of the hard path to god, traversing the path of a labyrinth was thought of as going on a pilgrimage. Later on the religious connotation was lost and it took the form of entertainment. Recently there has been resurgence in its spiritual aspect and people get into meditative mood while going through a labyrinth.
Mazes test the navigation and directional capabilities of individuals. They are used to study spatial navigation and learning abilities of individuals. A number of books have been published with several maze and maze puzzles.
Maze vs Labyrinth Video
This video explains the difference between a maze and a labyrinth.
References
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Comments: Labyrinth vs Maze
FAQs
To do it, place one hand on the wall of the maze as you go in, and keep it there. Each time you come to a junction, keep following the wall – if there is an opening on the side you are touching, take it; otherwise go straight. If you hit a dead end, turn around and carry on.
What is the difference between a maze and a labyrinth? ›
The difference between mazes and labyrinths is that labyrinths have a single continuous path which leads to the centre, and as long as you keep going forward, you will get there eventually. Mazes have multiple paths which branch off and will not necessarily lead to the centre.
Was the labyrinth actually a maze? ›
THE LABYRINTH IN MYTH AND HISTORY
The Labyrinth was an ingenious maze commissioned by King Minos and designed by the architect Daedalus. In order to escape the maze after killing the Minotaur, Theseus needed a ball of thread, given to him by the princess Ariadne.
What is the difference between a labyrinth and a maze spiritually? ›
As Lauren Artress says, “A maze is designed to make you lose your way, while a labyrinth is designed to help you find your way.” (2) Labyrinths lead you to a center, designed to increase wisdom and discernment; mazes, in contrast, are constructed to be confusing, leading you toward unforeseen dead ends and barriers.
How do you solve the labyrinth riddle? ›
How to Solve the Labyrinth Two-Door Riddle. To solve the puzzle, you must ask one guard (it doesn't matter which one) which door the other guard would say leads out. Both guards will indicate the same door, which will be the door that doesn't lead out.
What is the trick for mazes? ›
It's possible to escape many mazes by walking round them keeping one hand in constant contact with the wall. But some mazes are designed to defeat this technique, and need Tremaux's Rule: at each junction, choose any route, back-tracking only if it leads to a dead end or a junction you've already visited.
What is the fastest way to solve a maze? ›
The most basic technique to solve a maze is the “right hand rule”. Simply touch the wall to the right and keep your hand glued to it as you wander along. When you hit a junction, pick the option that keeps your hand connected to the wall. Presto!
What makes a labyrinth a labyrinth? ›
A labyrinth differs from a maze in that there is only one way in and one way out. They have one continuous path that twists and turns, eventually leading to the center. There are no dead ends. There is nothing to figure out as you walk or trace a labyrinth.
How do you exit a labyrinth? ›
There is a simple method for finding your way out of a maze or labyrinth: Touch the wall or hedge with the hand nearest to it, left or right. Keep that same hand touching the wall and keep walking. This may take you on a horribly long route, but it will eventually get you out.
Was Jareth in love with Sarah? ›
Jareth then goes to the human world to entice Sarah, with whom he is still in love, into creating a new world with him using the power of her dreams.
Labyrinths are not mazes (there is one way in, and out) rather, they are a way to focus and slow our thought processes through walking and symbolism. Walking the labyrinth can be a meaningful way to find calm, inner strength and peace.
What is a labyrinth in the Bible? ›
The Bible does not mention a labyrinth specifically within its pages. A labyrinth is a man-made creation to contemplate spiritual concerns and become closer to God. There are several verses in the Bible that relate to the purpose of a Christian labyrinth.
What's the difference between a labyrinth and a maze? ›
A maze, though, is 'multicursal', with several paths, most of which lead to dead ends and, usually, only one which takes you to the centre. Mazes test the explorer's ability to solve problems, while a labyrinth lends itself to a slow, contemplative meander.
What does the Bible say about praying with a labyrinth? ›
Two verses that can be used while praying the labyrinth are, "You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy." (Psalm 16:11) and Jesus' words, "I am the way, the truth and the life..." (John 14:16). We are currently in a period of historic labyrinth revival.
Is labyrinth a synonym for maze? ›
Synonyms of 'labyrinth' in British English
- maze.
- jungle. a jungle of stuffed sofas, stuffed birds, knick-knacks, potted plants.
- tangle. I was thinking what a tangle we had got ourselves into.
- coil.
- snarl. a snarl of logs and branches.
- entanglement.
In order to escape, one must first find one of four doors to outer rings of the Maze, which are found at the farthest end of each entrance to the Maze. The only door that has never been seen to open is the outer ring door in the Dark Zone. After finding a "Ring Door", it will open once it is night.
What is the rule for solving a maze? ›
The most basic technique to solve a maze is the “right hand rule”. Simply touch the wall to the right and keep your hand glued to it as you wander along. When you hit a junction, pick the option that keeps your hand connected to the wall. Presto!
How does Thomas solve the Maze? ›
Thomas and Teresa eventually figure out a code to the Maze. Thomas purposely gets stung by a Griever so he can remember his life before the Maze. He learns that there is only one way of escape: through the Griever Hole. The Gladers make it through the Griever Hole, losing half of their members, including Alby.
What is the best algorithm for solving the Maze? ›
One effective rule for traversing mazes is the Hand On Wall Rule, also known as either the left-hand rule or the right-hand rule.
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