Myths and Leyends

 

Myths and Legends

Myths and legends are the traditional stories of different cultures passed down through generations. Explore the history of myths and the 6 elements of a myth.

Oral storytelling (using spoken language to tell stories) is the way that stories were told and preserved for thousands of years, as most people in cultures throughout the world could not fluently read or write.

Folk tales, myths and legends are all kinds of stories which were originally shared in spoken form. Usually taking the form of an allegorical tale (with a moral about living life in a good way), myths and legends often feature mythical creatures and famous heroes/warriors.

        What is a legend?

Legends are stories which are thought to be based on true events, but have developed fictional elements, which have deep significance to the culture from which they originate.

For instance, the legend of King Arthur. Although many historians agree that he existed as a Romano-British leader between the 5th and 6th century, there are a number of legends within British folklore which cannot be verified. For example, that he achieved his royal status by pulling his sword, Excalibur, from a stone within the centre of a lake.

    What is a myth?

Myths are stories derived from cultural traditions or legends, which have a deep symbolic meaning and usually involve a lesson which will be helpful to the listener or reader.

One such myth is the Greek myth of Persephone, which is used to understand and give meaning to the changing seasons. Persephone, (daughter of Demeter, goddess of the harvest), personifies plants and flowers. When she makes her journey to the Underworld to live with Hades in winter, vegetation on earth withers and dies. When she returns to live with her mother on earth, plants bloom and flourish once more.