Labyrinth vs Maze: What's the Difference?

Labyrinth

  • One convoluted path, no choices.
  • No dead ends, only an entrance/exit and an centre.
  • Classic labyrinth patterns appear 4500 years ago, across cultures.
  • Not always accurate. Some ancient labyrinths (ex: Daedalus labyrinth, home to the mythic Minotaur, were clearly mazes).

Maze

  • Forked paths, requiring choices.
  • Dead ends.
  • Earliest maze known maze design only 600 years old.
    • Began in Europe, alongside the Renaissance and growing idea of free.
  • See Maze design principles