A legend is a popular type of folk tale. In some ways, legends resemble myths, another type of folk tale. But myths describe events from antiquity and usually deal with religious subjects, such as the birth of a god. Legends tell of recognizable people, places and events and often take place in comparatively recent times. Some legends are based on real persons or events, but many are entirely fictional. The legends of the superhuman accomplishments of Paul Bunyan and Pecos Bill are imaginary, while the legends about Washington and Lincoln are mostly exaggerations of real qualities those two presidents had.
All societies have legends. Most legends began as stories about the heroes of a particular region, occupation, or ethnic group. For example, John Henry was a legendary hero of black Americans, and Casey Jones of railroad workers. Over time, however, these figures have become national heroes.
______ 8. Both legends and myths can be classified as folk tales.
______ 9. Myths generally take place in comparatively recent times.
______ 10. The stories of Paul Bunyan and Pecos Bill are not true, but they are based on actual people. ______ 11. Legends about Washington and Lincoln are not entirely fictional.
______ 12. John Henry and Casey Jones are today well-known only by small groups of people.