Legend vs Myth
Understanding the difference between legend and myth can be difficult, as both terms refer to colorful stories from long ago that have been passed down through generations. In almost every culture, there are tales full of extraordinary characters and creatures that defy logic, chronology, and the laws of nature. While legends and myths share similarities, they also have distinct differences.
What is a Legend?
A legend is a story about a human being who was born long ago and became famous for an extraordinary or brave act. In the past, people did not have the ability to record video, so stories about legends were passed down through word of mouth. As a result, these stories often became exaggerated over time and are difficult to believe today. For example, the stories about King Arthur are considered legends, although historians debate the existence of a real King Arthur due to his absence from some historical texts.
What is a Myth?
A myth is a collection of stories created to explain unexplainable events. These tales do not contain any truth, but they are full of imagination and are popular for that reason. For instance, the discovery of fire is now understood as a part of human evolution, but people in the past did not have that knowledge. They created the myth of Prometheus to explain how fire was discovered: in the story, Prometheus steals fire from Zeus (God) and gives it to humans to keep warm. Zeus then punishes Prometheus by chaining him to a rock where an eagle eats his liver every day, only for the liver to grow back each night.
Key Takeaways
- Legends and myths are both colorful stories from the past, but legends involve real human beings who performed brave acts, while myths are fabricated tales created to explain unexplainable events.
- Legends often become exaggerated over time as they are passed down through word of mouth, making it difficult to determine the truth behind the stories.
- Myths typically involve gods and supernatural elements, while legends focus on human beings.
