Question

Помогите пожалуйста .What is the difference bettween myth , legend and folktales?​

Answer 1

Myth - an ancient story or set of stories, especially explaining the early history of a group of people or about natural events and facts

Legend - a very old story or set of stories from ancient times, or the stories, not always true, that people tell about a famous event or person

Folk tale - a traditional story that people of a particular region or group repeat among themselves

Answer 2

Certainly! The terms "myth," "legend," and "folktale" are often used to describe different types of traditional stories, and they have distinct characteristics. Here's a brief explanation of the differences between them:

1. Myth: Myths are traditional narratives that typically explain the origins of the world, natural phenomena, religious beliefs, and cultural practices. They often involve gods, supernatural beings, and powerful forces. Myths are considered sacred or divine stories and are an integral part of a culture's religious or spiritual beliefs. They aim to convey fundamental truths and provide explanations for the mysteries of existence. Myths are usually passed down orally from generation to generation and may vary in different cultures or regions.

Example: The ancient Greek myth of Zeus overthrowing his father Cronus to become the king of the gods.

2. Legend: Legends are traditional stories that are based on real events and historical figures but have been embellished and transformed over time through oral tradition. These stories often mix elements of fact and fiction, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Legends often revolve around heroic figures or significant events that have shaped a culture's history or identity. While they might contain supernatural or extraordinary elements, they are usually set in the human world and are not considered sacred like myths.

Example: The legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, which is based on a historical figure but contains fantastical elements like Merlin the wizard and the search for the Holy Grail.

3. Folktale: Folktales are traditional stories that are passed down orally through generations within a culture. They are typically anonymous, with no known author, and reflect the values, beliefs, and customs of a community. Folktales often have moral or ethical lessons and can be divided into various subcategories like fairy tales, fables, and trickster tales. Unlike myths and legends, folktales are not tied to specific historical events or religious explanations.

Example: "Cinderella" is a well-known folktale about a young woman whose life changes with the help of a fairy godmother and a magical transformation.

In summary, myths are sacred stories that explain the world's origins and religious beliefs, legends are based on real historical events but contain elements of fiction, and folktales are traditional stories that teach moral lessons and are passed down through generations.