What is the Difference Between Myth and Fable?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between myths and fables lies in their purpose, content, and characters involved. Here are the key distinctions between the two:

Myths:

  1. Myths are stories that aim to explain the world around us, such as the origin of the world, seasons, or natural phenomena.
  2. They often involve supernatural events and characters, and are considered true stories by the people who tell them.
  3. Myths are typically about gods, heroes, and how the world came into being.
  4. They are closely related to religion and often personify things and natural forces.

Fables:

  1. Fables are stories passed down from generation to generation to teach a lesson or moral.
  2. They feature animals, inanimate objects, or forces of nature given human characteristics, which are often used to illustrate a moral lesson.
  3. Fables are considered false or fictional stories, and they usually carry a moral lesson at the end.
  4. The main characters in fables are often animals, with human-like qualities, which help convey the moral of the story.

In summary, myths are stories that attempt to explain the world and involve supernatural beings, while fables are fictional tales that teach moral lessons using animals or objects with human-like qualities.

Comparative Table: Myth vs Fable

Here is a table comparing myths and fables:

Feature Myth Fable
Meaning Myths are stories based on superhumans, gods, and goddesses, often explaining natural phenomena or human behavior. Fables are fictional stories that feature animals, legends, inanimate objects, or forces of nature with human characteristics, often teaching a moral lesson.
Origin Myths originate from the Greek word 'Mythos'. Fables originate from the Latin word 'Fabula'.
Types Myths can be either fictional or non-fictional, with non-fictional myths requiring proof. Fables are always fictional.
Content Myths often involve supernatural events and characters. Fables typically feature anthropomorphized animals, objects, or forces of nature.
Purpose Myths are often used to explain the world and human behavior, and can be related to religion and personification of natural forces. Fables are meant to entertain, educate, and impart moral values.
Examples Greek, Roman, and Norse mythologies are well-known examples of myths. Aesop's fables, such as "The Tortoise and the Hare," are famous examples of fables.

In summary, myths are stories that often involve supernatural events and characters, while fables are fictional stories that teach moral lessons through anthropomorphized characters. Myths can be either fictional or non-fictional, with non-fictional myths requiring proof, whereas fables are always fictional. Both myths and fables are used to entertain, educate, and impart moral values, but myths can also be related to religion and personification of natural forces.