What is the difference between myths legends fables and fairy tales?

Answer 1

All of them are stories passed down from generation to generation, either orally or through the written word.

Fairy Tales are now stories intended for children, involving adventure and some kind of magical element. They are in vague settings, like "Once upon a time" or "in a far-away kingdom". Cinderella, with her fairy godmother, is an example of a fairy tale; although fairy tales do not necessarily have to have fairies. (An interesting note: often the original versions of the fairy tales we know now were meant for adults. The Brothers Grimm version of Cinderella involved birds pecking out the eyes of her stepsisters.)

Legends are stories that may have actually happened, often based on a historical character. An example would be stories about King Arthur and his knights, although some people have also referred to them as fairy tales.

Myths are attempts made by a people to explain their origins or mysterious events. A famous example would be the story of Creation.

Fables are stories with a moral lesson, usually involving animals. Aesop's Fables are arguably the most well-known fables.

Answer 2

Myths are traditional stories that explain the origins of the world or natural phenomena, often involving gods and supernatural beings. Legends are stories based on historical events or figures, often with exaggerated or fantastical elements added over time. Fables are short stories with a moral lesson, usually featuring animals as characters. Fairy tales are whimsical stories that often involve magic, supernatural elements, and happy endings.