History vs. Legend — What's the Difference?

A study of past events, particularly in human affairs.

A caption for an illustration, map, photograph, etc.

A chronological record of significant events often including an explanation of their causes.

An extremely famous or notorious person, especially in a particular field.

The past considered as a whole.

A traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated.

The discipline that records and interprets past events involving human beings.

A non-historical or unverifiable story handed down by tradition.

The continuous, systematic narrative of past events as relating to a particular people, country, period, person, etc., usually written as a chronological account.

A body of stories of this kind.

History (from Greek ἱστορία, historia, meaning "inquiry; knowledge acquired by investigation") is the study of the past. Events before the invention of writing systems are considered prehistory.

A legend is a genre of folklore that consists of a narrative featuring human actions perceived or believed both by teller and listeners to have taken place within human history. Narratives in this genre may demonstrate human values, and possess certain qualities that give the tale verisimilitude.

A chronological record of events, as of the life or development of a people or institution, often including an explanation of or commentary on those events

An unverified story handed down from earlier times, especially one popularly believed to be historical.

A formal written account of related natural phenomena

A body or collection of such stories.

A record of a patient's general medical background

See urban legend.

An established condition or pattern of behavior

One that inspires legends or achieves legendary fame

The branch of knowledge that records and analyzes past events

An inscription or title on an object, such as a coin.

The past events relating to a particular thing

An explanatory caption accompanying an illustration.

The aggregate of past events or human affairs

An explanatory table or list of the symbols appearing on a map or chart.

An interesting past

An unrealistic story depicting past events.

Something that belongs to the past

A story of unknown origin describing plausible but extraordinary past events.

(Slang) One that is no longer worth consideration

A plausible story set in the historical past, but whose historicity is uncertain.

A drama based on historical events

A story in which a kernel of truth is embellished to an unlikely degree.

The aggregate of past events.

A fabricated backstory for a spy, with associated documents and records.

The branch of knowledge that studies the past; the assessment of notable events.

A person related to a legend or legends.

The portion of the past that is known and recorded by this field of study, as opposed to all earlier and unknown times that preceded it (prehistory).

A leading protagonist in a historical legend.

(countable) A set of events involving an entity.

A person with legend-like qualities, such as extraordinary accomplishment.

(countable) A record or narrative description of past events.

A key to the symbols and color codes on a map, chart, etc.

A list of past and continuing medical conditions of an individual or family.

An inscription, motto, or title, especially one surrounding the field in a medal or coin, or placed upon a heraldic shield or beneath an engraving or illustration.

A record of previous user events, especially of visited web pages in a browser.

A musical composition set to a poetical story.

(informal) Something that no longer exists or is no longer relevant.

(naval) The design and specification of a vessel.

(uncountable) Shared experience or interaction.

To tell or narrate; to recount.

(obsolete) To narrate or record.

That which is appointed to be read; especially, a chronicle or register of the lives of saints, formerly read at matins, and in the refectories of religious houses.

A learning or knowing by inquiry; the knowledge of facts and events, so obtained; hence, a formal statement of such information; a narrative; a description; a written record; as, the history of a patient's case; the history of a legislative bill.

A story respecting saints; especially, one of a marvelous nature.

A systematic, written account of events, particularly of those affecting a nation, institution, science, or art, and usually connected with a philosophical explanation of their causes; a true story, as distinguished from a romance; - distinguished also from annals, which relate simply the facts and events of each year, in strict chronological order; from biography, which is the record of an individual's life; and from memoir, which is history composed from personal experience, observation, and memory.

Any wonderful story coming down from the past, but not verifiable by historical record; a myth; a fable.

To narrate or record.

An inscription, motto, or title, esp. one surrounding the field in a medal or coin, or placed upon an heraldic shield or beneath an engraving or illustration.

The aggregate of past events;

To tell or narrate, as a legend.

The continuum of events occurring in succession leading from the past to the present and even into the future;

A story about mythical or supernatural beings or events

A record or narrative description of past events;

Brief description accompanying an illustration

The discipline that records and interprets past events involving human beings;

All that is remembered of the past as preserved in writing; a body of knowledge;

Yes, many legends start with a historical kernel but are embellished with fictional details over time.

Myths are primarily religious or spiritual stories explaining the universe and human existence, whereas legends are more grounded in human actions and are less focused on explaining the cosmic.

History helps us understand past societies and events, influencing current practices and future developments.

Legends carry cultural and moral significance, shaping values and identities within societies.

Legends are studied for their cultural and psychological significance, not as factual accounts of history.

Historians use primary and secondary sources including documents, letters, reports, photographs, and artifacts.

The interpretation of historical facts can change as new evidence emerges and perspectives shift, but the factual basis remains.

History is based on factual evidence and research, while legends are often mythical and lack verifiable evidence.

The purpose of history is to document and analyze past events critically, while legends aim to entertain and impart lessons.

The legend of the Trojan War has affected interpretations of ancient Greek history and archaeology.

Historians must critically evaluate sources, discern biases, and corroborate information across multiple records.

Legends persist due to their emotional resonance, simplicity, and the values they exemplify, which can be more influential than factual accuracy.

Legends are used to teach morals, inspire creativity, and introduce students to traditional cultural narratives.

Understanding history allows societies to learn from past mistakes, celebrate achievements, and maintain continuity with their heritage.

Yes, many events have both historical accounts and legendary interpretations, like the exploits of national heroes.