Zeus, The Headless Horseman, Paul Bunyan, and Bigfoot all share some commonalities; clearly, there are supernatural and fantastical elements in each of their stories. But how do they differ, and how can we distinguish between them?
I used to struggle with understanding the similarities and differences, but it becomes much easier if you consider the context and typical usage of each term. In this post we will look at how myths explains how things came to exist, legends explain people or things in recent history, and folklore is composed of stories from an oral tradition.
What is a Myth?
The word “myth” is derived from the Greek word “mythos,” which means “story” (Merriam-Webster). Mythological stories have typically been rooted in religion or folk beliefs and help define the origin of a culture.
As one source states: “… myths can be used to demystify a supernatural or unresolved event. Myths present reality in a sensational way, often using creatures and gods” (Reference). For instance, if one hears a story about the origin of a holiday tradition—say, the story of Old St. Nick—they are probably hearing a myth because Santa Claus is a “sensational,” god-like creature who surreptitiously visits homes on Christmas Eve and leaves gifts for children. This explanation clarifies Christmas for younger folks and is passed down from parents as well.
These stories reflect society’s attempts to understand how things in the world came to exist, even though they incorporate supernatural elements. That’s why they typically feature nonhuman characters doing things that could be construed as “supernatural” (Difference Between). For a better understanding, think about the Greek gods and all the stories and movies you’ve heard or watched that detail their exploits and existence. Myths = Mt. Olympus. Those are myths!
What is a Legend?
Much of my original confusion between myths and legends came from their similarities, and my unwillingness to see the nuances of their differences. Legends share many of the same qualities as myths—supernatural elements, unbelievable characters, etc.—but the major difference is that they come from the recent past, have historical roots, and are passed from one generation to the next.
Robin Hood and King Arthur fit the mold of a legend because they come from the semi-recent past, have historical connections (they could be real), and their stories have been passed down through oral, visual, and textual mediums. It should go without saying, but legends often walk a careful balance between reality and fiction.
To better understand this, think about Bigfoot, or more accurately, think about The Legend of Bigfoot. We aren’t entirely sure what it looks like, and it only gained popularity relatively recently in the late ’60s or early ’70s, but the story has grown and become so popular that it’s already been shared and passed down from one generation to the next.
Folklore
Folklore is a bit more straightforward to understand. It’s an oral history that is preserved through cultural traditions, including music, history, stories, and more. It is a “collection of fictional stories involving people or animals” (reference.com). This last part is crucial when you think about the stories of Pecos Bill and Johnny Appleseed. They are like sagas that feature protagonists completing tasks that shape the world as we know it.
Moreover, much like legends and myths, folklore is passed down from generation to generation through a variety of mediums. Stories of “The Hook” and “The Big Toe,” which are both horror stories that teach a lesson (however dark), are shared through both oral and textual means. Meanwhile, the Hearst Song, a vomit-inducing folkloric hymn, appears both textually and set to music.
As a noted difference, reference.com states: “Folktales often involve some sort of conflict that has to do with events that happen in everyday life.”
Think about Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox Babe. Both are supernatural, and their giant sizes are responsible for literally shaping parts of U.S. geography—at least according to folklorists.
Conclusion
Regardless of their differences, myths, legends, and folk tales serve a continued purpose of understanding. Myths explain belief, while legends explain actions, and folk tales explain our recent past. There is a function to these types of stories, and they help us define what we don’t know…until we do, of course. Myths, legends, and folklore continue to be important to society through foundational myths in US government, to stories of how states became states in a country, to what cryptids can be found where and why.
Works Cited
“Difference Between Legend and Myth.” DifferenceBetween.info, Dec. 12th, 2012. http://www.differencebetween.info/difference-between-legend-and-myth. Accessed 25 Sept. 2023.
“Difference Between Myth, Legend, and Folktale.” Reference.com, https://www.reference.com/world-view/difference-between-myth-legend-folktale-91f9ddaddff787e4. Accessed 25 Sept. 2023.
“Myth.’” Merriam-Webster. Web. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/myth
