Every part of the world has stories about extraordinary characters and creatures that are passed down through generations. These stories are often referred to as fairy tales, fables, myths, and legends. In this article, we will focus on the differences between myths and fables, which share many similarities but also have some important distinctions.
Key Takeaways
- Myths and fables are stories from a timeless past that have been passed down successive generations through text or word of mouth.
- Myths are stories created to explain natural events that could not be explained through science in the past, featuring heroes and supernatural elements that have become exaggerated over time.
- Fables are stories with talking animals, plants, and creatures that were created to provide moral lessons and continue to be popular in children’s storybooks today.
Myth
Myths originated as a way for people to explain natural phenomena, such as thunderstorms, lightning, fires, and droughts, which they did not understand. Without scientific knowledge or audiovisual tools, people created stories with supernatural elements to make sense of these events. These stories were passed down from one generation to another, and with each generation, more details were added, making the myths increasingly unbelievable. Myths often feature superheroes with supernatural powers that are difficult to accept in today’s context. Myths persisted and survived because they were supported by religion, which was enough to convince the fearful and illiterate people of the stories’ authenticity.
Fable
Fables are stories that, while not based in reality, still convey important messages to their audience. They often feature talking animals, plants, and creatures that do not exist in reality and are primarily moral in nature, designed to teach people to avoid certain behaviors. These stories embody moral values aimed at instilling good qualities in people. Fables, despite their fantastical elements, have a lasting impact on the minds of young children as they learn about morals and behaviors in a captivating way. Some timeless and universally popular fables include The Crow and the Pitcher, The Lion and the Mouse, and The Tortoise and the Hare, which continue to appear in children’s storybooks and even in textbooks for young students.
