Distinguishing Folktales from Legends

Key Difference – Folktale vs Legend

Folktale and legends are two types of stories that are associated with a culture, and there is a difference between them. The main difference between folktale and legend lies in the fact that while folktales are stories that are passed down from one generation to another, legends are based on historical events. In this article, we will examine the differences between a folktale and a legend.

What is a Folktale?

A folktale is a story that is passed down from one generation to another within a specific group of people, through word of mouth. Folktales can be found in all cultures, and they are connected to the culture of each society, creating diverse stories among different groups of people.

Folktales can have various storylines, such as historical stories, adventures, moral stories, and even fairy tales. Sometimes, folktales can contain an element of truth, but most of them have become lost in their oral tradition. When focusing on the features of a folktale, the main characters are always human beings, but they can have magical powers. There are also supernatural elements in folktales. In most folktales, the story is about the characters overcoming an obstacle, and as they reach their happy ending, the listener is provided with action, wisdom, morals, and even justice.

What is a Legend?

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a legend refers to a traditional story that may or may not be true. Legends usually consist of a hero or heroic character and can include supernatural elements. The specialty of a legend is that it is linked to a true event or place. In different societies, there are legends that are usually related to the history of the society and connected with its culture.

One key difference between a legend and a folktale is the element of truth. In legends, there is a connection to a historical event or place. Another difference between the two is that while folktales mostly highlight a crisis that the individual overcomes in life, a legend is a story of fame and glory. Although some similarities can be identified between a folktale and a legend, a clear difference exists between them as well.

What is the Difference Between Folktale and Legend?

Definitions of Folktale and Legend:

• Folktale: A folktale is a story that is passed down from one generation to another in a particular group of people, through word of mouth.
• Legend: A legend refers to a traditional story that may or may not be true.

Characteristics of Folktale and Legend:

Element of Truth:

• Folktale: Folktales can contain truth, but most are stories that have been made and passed on from generation to generation.
• Legend: Legends, unlike folktales, possess an element of truth as they are linked to a historical event or place.

Nature:

• Folktale: A folktale deals with the obstacles undergone by an individual or a group.
• Legend: A legend is a story of fame and glory.