What is the Difference Between Folktale and Legend?

Folktales and legends are both stories that are passed down through generations within a particular culture, but they have distinct differences:

Folktales:

• Folktales are secular, fictional stories that are passed down among common people and often rooted in superstitious beliefs.
• They usually contain timeless and placeless elements, meaning the setting can be changed without losing the essence of the narrative.
• Folktales are primarily told for entertainment purposes.

Legends:

• Legends are traditional stories that may or may not be true and are often grounded in reality.
• They are connected to a historical event or place, giving them a greater sense of authenticity.
• Legends often have national or cultural significance and may be based on historical figures with fictionalized or exaggerated adventures.

In summary, folktales are fictional stories passed down for entertainment, while legends are grounded in reality and often have historical or cultural significance.

Comparative Table: Folktale vs Legend

Here is a table highlighting the differences between folktales and legends:

Folktales are stories passed down through generations among common people, often featuring supernatural elements and focusing on characters overcoming obstacles to teach morals, wisdom, and justice. Legends, on the other hand, are inspired by historical events or figures, featuring heroic characters and deeds, and may include supernatural elements. While both folktales and legends are stories belonging to a culture, they differ in their purpose, characters, and settings.