What is the difference between Legend and Myth?

Myth and legends are believed to mean the same thing; however, they have their differences. The word “legend” comes from the Old French word “legend,” while the word “myth” comes from the Greek word “mythos.” Myths are traditional or religious stories that are believed to have existed in a timeless past.

The legends are exaggerated facts or fiction, while myths are fiction because they have no evidence to prove the fact, while legends are a traditional and historical story of people and places. The legend is not linked with supernatural or religious events.

Legends are notable people from history, while myths are supernatural realms, supernatural beings, or supernatural creatures. An example of a Myth is the Greek myth of Prometheus, who stole Zeus fire to give to humans to keep them warm and was punished by Zeus, who tired him to a rock and allowed eagles to eat out its liver. Examples of legends include heroes’ stories like King Arthur and other legends.

You may be wondering what is the actual difference between a legend and a myth? A legend is said to be a story that can be passed on from one generation to another that may be based on true events or something that truly existed. It just so happens that because the story has been passed on so many times that there are different variations that have become available.

The myth, on the other hand, is a type of story that may also be passed on or maybe told to different people but the events that have taken place are already too far fetched to be considered real. This explains why there are some creatures that are considered to be mythical because there is only a small chance that they exist or that they have actually existed.