Legends

Unlike myths and fables, legends have human characters. As with myths the characters often have special abilities or strengths. They use these characteristics to solve a problem or to win a challenge. The characters or events of legends are based on some fact. Many popular legends originated from Greek literature where characters were thrust into heroic battles or adventurous quests.

As with most narratives, legends have characters, plots, and settings. Legends tend to have more characters and greater plot development than do myths and fables. The language used to describe characters and events is direct, yet it is also more descriptive and lofty. Many of today’s tales come from the legend tradition.

Tales and Tall Tales

Tales are similar to legends. Human characters encounter unique situations. Many tales have moral lessons that are stated directly or indirectly. Fairytales are included in this category of narratives. They often begin with phrases such as, “Once upon a time...”

Tall tales, like legends, have human characters performing super human acts. Tall tales are a more recent form the legend. They were developed in America during rapid growth and settlement by immigrants. These stories entertained workers, and they were a unifying force showing people’s pride in their work and their nationalities. The characters are often presented as being much bigger than the average person. The characters or events of many tall tales are based on some fact.

The characters and events in tall tales typically take place in frontier North America and in lumber and mining camps. The character uses extraordinary skills or strength to overcome a challenge or problem. Some tall tales tell a single story, while other tall tales have been extended over a period of time. The same character is presented with new challenges to overcome in each adventure.