Differences Between Myths, Legends, Folktales, & Fairytales

Demystifying the meanings of mythology, legend, folklore, and fairytale, especially as they pertain to Irish storytelling traditions

This video was adapted from an IrishMyths.com article, “What's the Difference Between a Myth, a Legend, a Folktale, and a Fairytale?”: https://irishmyths.com/2021/02/20/dif...

Intro 00:00

A Different Way of Thinking About Myths, Legends, Folktales, and Fairytales 01:57

What Is a Myth? A Modern Definition 03:18

What Is a Legend? A Modern Definition 04:46

What Is a Folktale? A Modern Definition 06:58

What Is a Fairytale? A Modern Definition 08:41

An Example of a Myth, Legend, Folktale, and Fairytale All Rolled into One: 12:27

Books/websites referenced (note: when you buy through the links below, I may earn a small affiliate commission):

-A Dictionary of Irish Mythology (1987): https://amzn.to/36HCpxg
-The Liar’s Dictionary (2019): https://amzn.to/3JNqyls
-Sacred Narrative: Readings in the Theory of Myth (1984): https://amzn.to/3JHpVdk
-Lebor Gabála Érenn / The Book of the Taking of Ireland: https://amzn.to/3HWCK28
-A Celtic Miscellany: Translations from the Celtic Literatures (1951): https://amzn.to/40qAhnP
-Fianaigecht: Being a Collection of Hitherto Inedited Irish Poems and Tales Relating to Finn and His Fiana: https://amzn.to/3jsrkKb
-Tolkien’s “On Fairy-Stories” (1947): https://amzn.to/3jvpWqa
-Myth, Legend, and Romance: An Encyclopaedia of Irish Folk Tradition (1991): https://amzn.to/3joe0GN
-Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry (1888): https://amzn.to/3wSf2ha

Books by me (I. E. Kneverday):

-Saint Patrick in Your Pocket: https://amzn.to/3ZWMWxG
-Irish Monsters in Your Pocket: https://amzn.to/3SXQgFO
-Samhain in Your Pocket: https://amzn.to/3Bkp2D0
-Irish Myths in Your Pocket: https://amzn.to/3Qi5xjg
-Neon Druid: An Anthology of Urban Celtic Fantasy: https://amzn.to/3BJE7yc