Classical Literature Legend, Myth, Polytheism

Legend

• the setting of legends are often specific times and places
• legends may be about real people and events
• legends may have elements of fact and elements of fiction
• a legend is usually an exaggerated true story
• legends deal with hereos
• legends often provide examples of the virtues of the known hero
• a legend may be passed down from one generation to the next
• a legend is a widely told story that may or may not have a basis in fact
• legends reflect cultural values or the identity of a people
• legends place emphasis on historical truth
• legends place less emphasis on the supernatural
• a legend is a traditional narrative or a collection of related narratives

Myth

• a myth is a traditional story accepted as history
• a myth explains the world view of a people
• a myth is fiction
• a myth may contain links to religion, matters of spiritual significance, or rituals
• a myth may describe the origins of the universe and life
• a myth may explain the actions of gods and hereos
• myths may explain the relationship between gods and humans
• a myth may give an explanation for natural phenomena, practice, or beliefs
• myths may be the earliest forms of history, science, or philosophy
• allusions to Greek, Roman, Norse, and Celtic myths are common in English Literature
• a myth is a story handed down through history usually through the oral tradition
• myths reflect the result of early man and the use of imaginations to interpret and understand the universe and how it functions

Polytheism

• polytheism is the worship of more than one god of deity
• the belief has been widespread in many cultures
• polytheism is a belief in the existence of many gods or divine beings
• each god usually cares for some aspect of human affairs
• each god usually possesses some particular trait
• polytheism played a major role in the ancient cultures of Greece, Rome, and Egypt