Difference between Legend and Myth

Key Difference: Legend are narrative of actions performed by humans sometime in history;
it an historical account of events and people from ancient times. Myths are stories or
tales that have been rooted in religion or folk beliefs of that time.
All cultures have stories that have been passed down from generation to generation, some of
which are known as legends, while the others are known as myths. These stories contain
superhuman like characters that defy all logic and rules of nature. These stories may also have
supernatural elements that make up the story. Since both of the stories can include death-defying
stunts and heroes, it can create confusion trying to define the differences between legends and
myths.

Legend, derived from Latin word ‘legenda’ meaning "things to be read", is a narrative of actions
performed by humans sometime in history; it an historical account of events and people from
ancient times. These accounts may have little amount of evidence supporting the person or place,
but it cannot be effectively verified. These tales include people or events in the past that have
been exaggerated to the point where it now includes supernatural or extraordinary elements.

Merriam Webster defines ‘legends’ as, “a story coming down from the past; especially: one
popularly regarded as historical although not verifiable; a popular myth of recent origin; a person
or thing that inspires legends; the subject of a legend.” A person who is inspiring and has
achieved something is also known as a legend according to modern definition. Legends are told
in generations to mostly teach certain lessons of faith, trust, loyalty and other virtues. Examples
of legends include Atlantis, King Arthur, Helen of Troy, the Trojan War, etc.

Myths, derived from the Greek word ‘mythos’ meaning “thought,

story, or speech”, are stories or tales that have been rooted in religion or folk beliefs of that time.
The stories were a way in order to represent or explain how the world came to be in its natural
state and natural phenomena that occur in the world. They are usually supernatural in nature.
Myth is defined as,” a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to
unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon; a
person or thing having only an imaginary or unverifiable existence.”
Myths usually involve gods, heroes and humans, in various settings accomplishing supernatural
feats. These myths could be elaborated accounts of historical events, an account of natural
phenomena; a way to justify a ritual or teach behavior or morals. Myths are basically attempts to
explain creation, divinity, religion, to probe the meaning of existence and death, to account for
natural phenomena and to chronicle the adventures of heroes. Examples of myths include Greek
Mythology, Thor, Roman Mythology, etc.

Legend Myth

Legends are stories about real

Mythology are stories that
people, considered as heroes,
Definition explains practices, beliefs, or
that have been passed down
natural phenomenon
generation to generation

The word ‘legend’ is derived

The word ‘myth’ is derived
from Old French word
from Greek word ‘mythos’
Etymology ‘legende’, which comes from
meaning “thought, story, or
Latin word ‘legenda’ meaning
speech.”
“story; things to be read.”

There are no supporting

As the event actually happened
evidences available for these
sometime in the past, there may
Evidence stories, though some stories
be evidence to support the
such as Indian Mythology claim
stories
places in the stories exist.

Mostly fiction, made up stories

Fact or Fiction Fact, but it is exaggerated about how the “world was
formed”

Are actual heroes in their own

Most commonly includes gods,
People portrayed times, whose actions or deeds
demi-gods, etc
are exaggerated

Legends feature an actual Traditional narrative that

Storylines cultural hero but include explains natural phenomena
imaginative elements. through symbolism; often
involves the gods of ancient
 cultures.

Imaginative element is used to Symbolism is used to define a

Elements
exaggerate a story natural situation or event

Atlantis, El Dorado, Fountain of

Greek Mythology (Hercules,
Famous Works Youth, Helen of Troy, Trojan
Zeus, etc), Thor, etc
War, Shangri-La, etc