Myths Legends Epics Fables and Tall Tales

A traditional story that was created to explain myteries of the universe.

• epic

• fable

• legend

• myth

a brief story that teaches a lesson or moral about human nature

• myth

• fable

• epic

• tall tale

A long, narrative poem, often written in formal language, that tells about a series of quests undertaken by a great hero

• legend

• tall tale

• epic

• fable

A story passed down through many generations that is believed to be based on real people and events

• legend

• epic

• fable

• tall tale

a humorously exaggerated story about impossible events

• myth

• fable

• legend

• tall tale

Which of the following is a characteristic of a tall tale

• follows a quest, or journal of a hero who has incredible strength and courage

• uses exaggeration to emphasize the abilities and achievements of the hero or heroine

Which of the following is a characteristic of a fable?

• has a moral that is directly stated at the end of indirectly communicated through what happens in the story

• tells about a hero that has unusual powers

Which of the following are characteristics of myth?

• features gods or other beings who have supernatural powers as well as certain flaws

• usually includes animal characters that stand for specific human qualities

Which of the following are characteristics of an epic?

• follows a quest of a hero who has incredible strength or courage

• uses exaggeration to emphasize the abilities and achievements of the hero

Which of the following is a characteristic of a legend?

• Highlights a positive quality or way of behaving

• has a moral that is directly stated at the end or indirectly communicated through what happens.