Traditional Audiences:
* Community members: Myths and legends often serve as a way to explain the world, provide moral guidance, and foster a sense of identity within a community. The primary audience for these stories is often the members of that community.
* Children: Myths and legends are frequently used to teach children about their culture, history, and values. These stories can be a source of entertainment, but they also provide a framework for understanding the world and their place in it.
* Storytellers: Traditionally, myths and legends were passed down orally by storytellers, often elders or respected figures. These individuals would tailor their storytelling to their specific audience and often add their own interpretations and embellishments.
Modern Audiences:
* Readers: In modern times, myths and legends are often published in books, anthologies, and online. This makes them accessible to a wider audience of readers who may be interested in mythology, folklore, or simply good storytelling.
* Students: Myths and legends are studied in schools and universities as part of literature, history, and cultural studies curricula. This exposes a new generation to these stories and their cultural significance.
* Researchers: Scholars and researchers study myths and legends to understand ancient cultures, belief systems, and the evolution of storytelling.
* Fans of fantasy and science fiction: Myths and legends have often inspired elements of fantasy and science fiction literature, film, and video games.
* Anyone interested in learning about different cultures: Myths and legends can offer a window into the beliefs, values, and worldview of other cultures.
It's important to remember that the audience for a myth or legend can change over time and across different cultures. What might have been a story told to teach children about the natural world in one community could be interpreted as a cautionary tale in another.
Ultimately, the audience for a myth or legend is anyone who wants to be entertained, learn, or connect with the stories and themes that these narratives offer.