Myths Legends Folktales Differences and Connections

What is myth? Does it refer only to the stories of gods and heroes? Academically, what scholars call a myth is a single event or story that recounts what happened during the primitive period, the early stage of human evolution; moreover, the bearer of the event or story must believe it to be true, and scholars base their definition on this definition in order to differentiate between a myth and a legend, and between a myth and a folktale. Myths must have the following conditions at the same time.

First, it must be a story from the early stages of human evolution. According to this definition, it would be wrong if we regard the deaths of Marilyn Monroe and Princess Diana as myths. Because they are at best "legends", not "myths". In fact, if we look at such messages in the original English, we should use the word "legend" to express them, not "myth" to define them. Let's take the Japanese example again. The cistern that was dug by the people under the leadership of Master Hirosumi, or the place where he used to stay, are only "legends" that illustrate the deeds of a great man, and we do not regard them as "myths".

Second, a myth must be a single event. According to this definition, folktales that begin with the phrase "Once upon a time, once upon a time ......" cannot be considered myths. Folktales usually have no particular place, no particular time, no particular characters, and the content of the story may be repeated. But "myths" are different. A myth must be a story that has a specific place, a specific time (even if neither is stated explicitly), and is about a specific character (or god or Buddha).

Thirdly, the bearer of the myth must believe in what is being told. By this definition, many modern myths are not myths at all. Those stories are about gods that have no believers at all, and technically, they shouldn't be called myths.

Legends were among the earliest oral narratives. Stories that evolved from myths but have a certain history to them.

The stories were passed down, or rumored, and could not be identified. Example: It is said in the village that someone in their family has been successful, and I don't know which of the two brothers is the hero.

People's oral narrative about someone. Example: the legend of Lu Ban.

In the days before writing was invented, the only way people could record history was by word of mouth, which is the origin of legends. As a result, legends are often untold, describing events that took place in the distant past, long before the invention of writing.

Folktales are narratives with a wide range of themes that have been passed down orally since ancient times. They tell of some kind of relationship between people in the form of whimsical language and symbols. Like all good creations, folktales start from life itself, but are not limited to what is actually happening and what is considered true and reasonable. They often contain supernatural and whimsical elements. Folktales have been publicized over and over again, and have been transformed into a variety of plays. They expressed people's good wishes.

The Legend of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, together with the Legend of the White Snake, Meng Jiangnu and Cowherd and Weaving Maiden, are known as the Four Great Legends of Ancient China. Among them, the legend of Liang Zhu is the most radiant oral heritage art in China, and is the only Chinese folklore that has had a wide impact in the world. Liang Zhu story has been passed down in folklore for more than one thousand four hundred and sixty years, can be said to be a household name in China, far-reaching, known as the love of the ancient song, the Oriental "Romeo and Juliet" said.