Mystery plays are a form of medieval drama that depict biblical stories and events. Originating in the 10th century, these plays were performed in churches and later in public spaces, often during religious festivals. They aimed to educate the audience about Christian teachings and the life of Jesus Christ. Typically organized in cycles, mystery plays featured various scenes or "mysteries" that illustrated key moments from the Bible. They were performed by local guilds and involved elaborate costumes and props, making them an important part of community life and culture during the Middle Ages.