Task 1: Differentiating Myth, Legend, and Folklore
There is a very thin line between myths, legends, and folklore. All of these stories include certain elements that help determine the difference between them. The table below contains a list of elements that are related to these three genres. Tick the box for each element to identify if it applies to myth, legend, or folklore. Each element could apply to more than one genre.


Type your response here:

Elements
Myth
Legend
Folklore
related to people and the actions they take






set in another world






involves animals or humans having supernatural powers






based on historical events






awards good and punishes evil






stories explaining natural phenomena






origin and creation stories






stories about life, death, and life after death






set in a specific time and place, and based on actual events






set in ancient times






passed on from generation to generation by word of mouth






symbolic and usually sacred in nature






often acts as a means of entertainment and enlightenment






one-dimensional characters (that is, the characters are either good or bad)






lays foundation for a culture or a region






no specific author credit for the story






has historical figures and warriors






storyline undergoes several changes to keep up with the changing times






historical facts are twisted to encourage good and moral conduct






teaches social values






embellished with extraordinary actions taken by heroes






more about beasts and spirits and similar entities that have no verifiable existence






includes various fantasy characters such as fairies, ghosts, vampires, and so on