Myths, Legends, and Fairy Tales

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Myths, Legends, and Fairy Tales

• 2008
• Canyon Ridge Middle School
• Ms. Williams

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Myths
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What is a Myth?

• from the Greek word mythos meaning "word of
  mouth
• widely thought to be fictional
• concern the origins of the world or how the world
  and the creatures in it came to be in their
  present form

Thor, the god of Norse mythology. "Tors strid med
jättarna" (1872), painting by Marten Eskil Winge.
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What is a Myth?

• generally are about gods and heroes
• are often said to take place before recorded
  history begins
• In early times, myths were considered sacred or
  religiously true.

Medusa by Caravaggio, rotella (tournament
shield). Oil on canvas mounted on wood, dated
from 1592 to 1600.
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Famous Myths
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Legends
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What is a Legend?

• from the Latin word legenda meaning "things to be
  read
• legends are believable, although not necessarily
  believed
• are exaggerated stories of real people or events
  from history

Atlantis illustration by Lloyd K. Townsend.
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What is a Legend?

• legends are about someone who probably did exist
  but have been twisted to seem more interesting
  and fascinating
• are fabulous stories that have some historical
  basis
• The main characters in legends are often
  respected and remembered by people, despite
  passing away several centuries ago

King Arthur by Peter Vischer in Hofkirche
(Innsbruck)
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Famous Legends
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Fairy Tales
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What is a Fairy Tale?

• a fictional story that may feature characters
  such as fairies, goblins, elves, trolls, witches,
  giants, or talking animals
• often involves a far-fetched sequence of events

Little Red Riding Hood illustration by Gustave
Dore
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What is a Fairy Tale?

• they are usually not connected to religion or
  actual places, persons, or events
• they take place "once upon a time" rather than in
  actual times
• older fairy tales were intended for adults as
  well as children

Ivan Bilibins illustration of the Russian fairy
tale about Vasilissa the Beautiful.
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Famous Fairy Tales