Legends:
* Purpose: To explain historical events, natural phenomena, or the origins of places and customs.
* Characters: Often involve real or semi-historical figures, sometimes exaggerated or embellished.
* Setting: Typically set in a specific time and place, often tied to a particular region or culture.
* Example: King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, Robin Hood, Paul Bunyan
Fables:
* Purpose: To teach a moral lesson or illustrate a truth about human nature.
* Characters: Usually animals, plants, or inanimate objects that exhibit human-like qualities.
* Setting: Often vague or unspecified, emphasizing the allegorical nature of the story.
* Example: The Tortoise and the Hare, The Ant and the Grasshopper, The Boy Who Cried Wolf
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Legend | Fable |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Explain historical events, phenomena, or origins | Teach a moral lesson |
| Characters | Real or semi-historical figures | Animals, plants, or objects |
| Setting | Specific time and place | Vague or unspecified |
| Examples | King Arthur, Robin Hood | The Tortoise and the Hare, The Ant and the Grasshopper |
In short: Legends aim to explain the past or offer insights into the world, while fables aim to guide behavior or impart wisdom.