I cannot tell what the difference between the two are. I am learning Greek Mythology right now, and I am having a good time reading it. I just cannot see a good difference in the two, so I though this would be a good time to ask.
2006-10-04 16:31:05 · 8 answers · asked by John of Houston 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
I'm a folklorist, and as an academic term, a myth is any story which is part of a culture or religion which is perceived as a deep and integral part of said story or religion, regardless of any truth. A legend, meanwhile, is not a "necessary" part of anything, and wouldn't be considered something that anyone would base ther religion or life around.
2006-10-05 01:27:28 · answer #1 · answered by angk 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Myths are usually fantastical in nature, meaning that in a reasonable world, they simply can't happen. The Greek myths are like that, and so is Christianity and Judaism.
Legends are different. They are exaggerated, but have some few grains of truth in them. Perhaps the people in them actually lived (unlike say, Jesus, who never existed) or the events did in fact take place, but some of the details are fabricated or made to fit the story.
So, legends are based in fact, and myths are spun out of thin air.
2006-10-04 23:49:14 · answer #2 · answered by nora22000 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm under the impression myths are more of a religious nature, while legends are heroic tales. Then there's the idea that history becomes legend becomes myth.
2006-10-04 23:52:19 · answer #3 · answered by shoushi42 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Myths are religious and/or moral teaching stories that have deities as some part of it. Legends are religious and/or moral teaching stories that do not have deities as part of it.
The story of Hercules fighting the Hydra is a myth because Hercules was the son of Zeus, a god. The story of Sleepy Hollow is a legend because though it does have supernatural/occult themes to it, it does not have any deities as part of it.
2006-10-05 09:16:36 · answer #4 · answered by BlueManticore 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A myth and a legend are the same thing. They are both created in the same manner. Also the both of them are based on real incidents that have been lost in time.........................
2006-10-05 18:09:32 · answer #5 · answered by kilroymaster 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Legend is so well known like Elvis
2006-10-04 23:53:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
a myth is make- believe. a legend can be real.
2006-10-04 23:36:34 · answer #7 · answered by Scorpius59 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
proof
2006-10-04 23:38:20 · answer #8 · answered by caleie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋