Literature is an art form of writing, and every language has its literature. It has been part of entertainment since ancient times and even in the modern world, there is visible evidence of literature seen as a great source of entertainment for example novels.
Literature consists of prose, drama, poetry, novels, etc., and for writing, there are several genres, it gives the writer and the reader the idea of what they are going to write or read, for example, if the genre is horror then the writer will specifically write spooky content, and the reader will also choose accordingly.
It gives an idea to the reader what they are going to read, which makes the selection of their readings easy for them. There are several literary genres in which the writers write, for example, legend, myth, romance, trailer, fiction, science fiction, etc..
Legend vs Myth
The main difference between legend and myth is that the legend has some sort of evidence in reality as well on the other hand with his completely fictional and does not have any evidence. Sometimes they are used interchangeably but it is wrong because technically they are different from each other.
Comparison Table Between Legend and Myth
| Parameters of Comparison | Legend | Myth |
| Evidence | Has evidence | Does not have evidence |
| Facts | Based on a few facts | Completely fictional and does not have any facts. |
| Characters | Real characters | Fictional characters |
| The period it narrates | More recent history | Ancient times |
| Example | The Hanuman, Robin Hood, etc.. | Pandora’s box, the three sisters of fate, etc.. |
What is Legend?
Legend is a literary genre which Is in the form of story or narrative somewhere lies between historical facts and myth. Most of the time Legend is an exaggerated story of a person’s action who is historically popular.
Legends are created to serve a purpose and can be based on facts but might not be completely true. People mentioned in legend might not have done their activities to the extent to which the writers have written in the legend, that means legend in his a more exaggerated form of the actual incident.
Legends are fictitious but their thoughts are based on facts, They often tend to 2 based on real-life characters but their deeds are often exaggerated in the legend which makes it somewhat fictional. It can be based on Prehistoric Times of which few pieces of evidence are available.
The basis of legend is to serve a good story with a good moral therefore sometimes the truth is distorted and some fictional stories are incorporated in the narrative. In legends, The Super Hero of the superhuman might have extraordinary powers which also provide entertainment to the readers.
Some of the examples of legends are; Ali baba, the fountain of youth, the Legend Of Hanuman, Bigfoot, Robin Hood, Paul Bunyan, etc..In all these narrative pieces of evidence are found which means that the incidents happen but to give an entertainment source writers exaggerate of what happened.
Legends are a great source for entertainment and it is appropriate for all age groups most of the time it is most appropriate for the kids as it provides morals with the essence of entertainment. Every language has its Legends, these narratives also vary from region to region.
What is Myth?
Myth is a literary genre consisting of narratives that play a fundamental role in society. Myths are often religious stories related to god or Goddesses.
Usually, myths incorporate fictional characters and even do not have any evidence of the occurrence of events or the existence of the characters. They often contain supernatural elements in the form of supernatural powers of any character.
Throughout history, myths have been used to explain almost unexplainable phenomena regarding the working of the world. They serve a predominant purpose in ancient times and modern culture. They are sacred tales narrated to humans to establish morality in the modern world.
The mystical characters might not have an existence in reality but still, the myths are narrated in such a way that they are believed by people. The fictional moral and the essence of entertainment makes this literary genre fit for all age groups.
They do not have any scientific explanation, neither they are time-bound, some radical listeners or readers might not consider myth a good genre for society because sometimes it creates society orthodox.
The representation of bravery of hero and cowardice of evils are often exaggerated to give entertainment. This is why sometimes myth is confused with legend, but they are entirely different from each other.
Some examples of myth are; pandora’s box, the three sisters of fate, Daedalus and Icarus, the name given to Athens, etc..
Main Differences Between Legend and Myth
- Legends have past evidence but myth does not have any existence.
- Legends do not have fictional characters but myths have fictional characters.
- Legends are based on notable people of history on the other hand myths are based on supernatural characters like God or Goddesses.
- Legends are somewhat exaggerated stories on the other hand myths are completely created narrative based on imagination and creative writing of the writer.
- Legends are stories of more recent history whereas myths are stories of ancient past from a specific ancient culture.
Conclusion
Legend and myth both are literary genres and somewhat similar, but yet have technical differences.
Legend is a more radical narrative and myth is completely fictional.
Legend and myth both of them provide moral and thus considered fit for kids. Although, sometimes myths can be harmful to society.
References
https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=8g1yCOcvAWUC&oi=fnd&pg=PR7&dq=what+is+legend&ots=Z23b8k_W_u&sig=n5b7hgALRlO1I5Q7fL-b-BOIHuU