What is the Difference Between Legend and Myth?

The main difference between legends and myths lies in their subject matter and the level of belief in their historical accuracy. Both myths and legends are stories or narratives that are passed from one generation to another. Here are the key distinctions between the two:

Myth:

• A traditional narrative, often rooted in folk beliefs or religions.
• Typically concerns the early history of people or explains a natural or social phenomenon.
• Involves supernatural characters or events.
• Not believed to be literally true by the community that tells them.
• Examples: Greek mythology, creation stories, and origin myths.

Legend:

• A traditional narrative presumed to have some basis in historical fact.
• Tends to mention real people or events, but with exaggerated or distorted details.
• Often revolves around historical figures who are considered heroes, with their heroic deeds exaggerated.
• Regarded by the community as historically accurate to some degree, even though the truth has been distorted over time.
• Examples: Pocahontas and John Smith in American history, King Arthur in British folklore.

In summary, myths are stories that explain natural or social phenomena and often involve supernatural elements, while legends are stories based on historical events or figures but may have exaggerated or distorted details. Myths are not believed to be literally true, whereas legends are considered historically accurate to some extent by the community that tells them.

Comparative Table: Legend vs Myth

Here is a table comparing the differences between legends and myths:

In summary, legends are stories about real people or events with some exaggeration, while myths are symbolic stories that explain cultural beliefs or natural phenomena through supernatural characters and events.