History vs. Legend: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
History is the record of past events and human activities, whereas legend is a traditional story or myth, often based on historical events but not verified.
Key Differences
History is the study and record of past events, particularly in human affairs, rooted in evidence and research. Legends, in contrast, are traditional stories passed down through generations, often blurring the line between fact and fiction.
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Dec 22, 2023
Historical accounts are based on documents, archaeological findings, and other tangible evidence. Legends, however, often rely on oral traditions and are more flexible in their adherence to factual accuracy.
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Dec 22, 2023
History aims to provide an accurate and objective understanding of past events. Legends, on the other hand, serve more to entertain, teach moral lessons, or explain natural or social phenomena through storytelling.
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Dec 22, 2023
In history, the authenticity and reliability of sources are crucial, with a focus on chronological and factual precision. Legends, meanwhile, allow for artistic liberties and often include supernatural or fantastical elements.
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Dec 22, 2023
The purpose of history is to inform and educate about the past, contributing to our understanding of societies, cultures, and events. Legends, while they may contain historical kernels, primarily function as cultural or moral narratives.
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Dec 22, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Adherence to Fact
High; based on factual evidence
Flexible; often blends fact and fiction
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Purpose
To inform and educate about the past
To entertain, teach, or explain phenomena
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Dec 22, 2023
Source Authenticity
Crucial; relies on documents, artifacts
Less rigid; often unknown or unverified origins
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Dec 22, 2023
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History and Legend Definitions
History
A continuous, systematic narrative of past events.
Her book covers the history of the civil rights movement.
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Dec 13, 2023
Legend
A traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated.
The legend of King Arthur has been told for centuries.
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Dec 13, 2023
History
The aggregate of past events or human experiences.
The invention of the internet changed history forever.
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Dec 13, 2023
Legend
An extremely famous or notorious person, especially in a particular field.
Michael Jordan is a legend in the world of basketball.
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History
A chronological record of significant events often including an explanation of their causes.
He teaches European history, focusing on the World Wars.
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Dec 13, 2023
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Legend
A narrative of human actions that are perceived both by teller and listeners to take place within human history.
The legend of Robin Hood is set in medieval England.
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Dec 13, 2023
History
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
A history of the Vikings.
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Dec 13, 2023
Legend
A body of stories about an event, person, or place.
The city of Troy is surrounded by both history and legend.
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Dec 13, 2023
History
A formal written account of related natural phenomena
A history of volcanoes.
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Legend
An unverified story handed down from earlier times, especially one popularly believed to be historical.
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History
A record of a patient's general medical background
Took the patient's history.
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History
An established condition or pattern of behavior
An inmate with a history of mental illness and drug abuse.
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History
The branch of knowledge that records and analyzes past events
"History has a long-range perspective" (Elizabeth Gurley Flynn).
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Dec 13, 2023
Legend
One that inspires legends or achieves legendary fame
She is a legend in her own time.
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Dec 13, 2023
History
The past events relating to a particular thing
The history of their rivalry is full of intrigue.
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History
The aggregate of past events or human affairs
Basic tools used throughout history.
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Legend
An explanatory table or list of the symbols appearing on a map or chart.
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History
(Slang) One that is no longer worth consideration
Why should we worry about him? He's history!.
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Dec 13, 2023
Legend
A story of unknown origin describing plausible but extraordinary past events.
The legend of Troy was discovered to have a historical basis.
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Legend
A plausible story set in the historical past, but whose historicity is uncertain.
The legend of Robin Hood
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History
The aggregate of past events.
History repeats itself if we don’t learn from its mistakes.
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Legend
A story in which a kernel of truth is embellished to an unlikely degree.
The 1984 Rose Bowl prank has spawned many legends. Here's the real story.
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Dec 13, 2023
History
The branch of knowledge that studies the past; the assessment of notable events.
He teaches history at the university.
History will not look kindly on these tyrants.
He dreams of an invention that will make history.
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Dec 13, 2023
Legend
A fabricated backstory for a spy, with associated documents and records.
According to his legend, he once worked for the Red Cross, spreading humanitarian aid in Africa.
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Dec 13, 2023
History
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).
In all of human history and prehistory
In all recorded history
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History
(countable) A set of events involving an entity.
What is your medical history?
The family's history includes events best forgotten.
A long and sordid history
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Legend
A leading protagonist in a historical legend.
Achilles is a legend in Greek culture.
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History
(countable) A record or narrative description of past events.
I really enjoyed Shakespeare's tragedies more than his histories.
A short history of post-Columbian colonization
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Dec 13, 2023
Legend
A person with legend-like qualities, such as extraordinary accomplishment.
Michael Jordan stands as a legend in basketball.
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Dec 13, 2023
History
A list of past and continuing medical conditions of an individual or family.
A personal medical history is required for the insurance policy.
He has a history of cancer in his family.
This diagnosis is usually based solely on the history and physical examination, although laboratory tests are occasionally also obtained.
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Dec 13, 2023
Legend
A key to the symbols and color codes on a map, chart, etc.
According to the legend on the map, that building is a school.
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Dec 13, 2023
History
A record of previous user events, especially of visited web pages in a browser.
I visited a great site yesterday but forgot the URL. Luckily, I didn't clear my history.
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Dec 13, 2023
Legend
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.
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History
(informal) Something that no longer exists or is no longer relevant.
I told him that if he doesn't get his act together, he's history.
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Dec 13, 2023
History
(uncountable) Shared experience or interaction.
There is too much history between them for them to split up now.
He has had a lot of history with the police.
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Dec 13, 2023
History
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
Legend
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
History
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.
Histories are as perfect as the historian is wise, and is gifted with an eye and a soul.
For aught that I could ever read,Could ever hear by tale or history.
What histories of toil could I declare!
Justly Cæsar scorns the poet's lays;It is to history he trusts for praise.
No more yet of this;For 't is a chronicle of day by day,Not a relation for a breakfast.
Many glorious examples in the annals of our religion.
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Dec 13, 2023
Legend
Any wonderful story coming down from the past, but not verifiable by historical record; a myth; a fable.
And in this legend all that glorious deed Read, whilst you arm you.
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Dec 13, 2023
History
The aggregate of past events;
A critical time in the school's history
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Dec 13, 2023
Legend
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
History
The continuum of events occurring in succession leading from the past to the present and even into the future;
All of human history
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Dec 13, 2023
History
A record or narrative description of past events;
A history of France
He gave an inaccurate account of the plot to kill the president
The story of exposure to lead
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History
The discipline that records and interprets past events involving human beings;
He teaches Medieval history
History takes the long view
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Dec 13, 2023
History
All that is remembered of the past as preserved in writing; a body of knowledge;
The dawn of recorded history
From the beginning of history
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Dec 13, 2023
Legend
A story about mythical or supernatural beings or events.
Legends of dragons and knights are popular in medieval folklore.
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Dec 13, 2023
History
The study of past events, particularly in human affairs.
The history of ancient Rome fascinates many scholars.
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Dec 13, 2023
History
An account of what has happened in the life of a person or society.
The history of the Ming Dynasty is a topic of extensive research.
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Dec 13, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the primary focus of history?
History focuses on studying and understanding past events and human activities based on evidence.
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Dec 22, 2023
Can legends be considered a reliable source of history?
Legends, while sometimes based on historical events, are not considered reliable due to their unauthenticated nature.
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Dec 22, 2023
What role do oral traditions play in legends?
Oral traditions are crucial in legends, passing down stories through generations before written records.
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Dec 22, 2023
Is history always about the distant past?
History covers all periods, including recent events, not just the distant past.
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Dec 22, 2023
How do legends impact culture?
Legends often shape cultural identities, morals, and beliefs through storytelling.
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Dec 22, 2023
How do historians verify historical facts?
Historians use primary sources, archaeological evidence, and cross-reference documents to verify historical facts.
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Dec 22, 2023
Are legends always fictional?
Legends often contain fictional elements, although they may be rooted in or inspired by historical events.
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Dec 22, 2023
Do historians consider legends in their research?
Historians may consider legends to understand cultural contexts but not as factual evidence.
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Dec 22, 2023
How are historical accounts recorded?
Historical accounts are recorded through documents, journals, artifacts, and other tangible evidence.
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Dec 22, 2023
Can history change with new discoveries?
Yes, history can be reinterpreted or expanded with new discoveries and evidence.
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Dec 22, 2023
Do legends vary between cultures?
Yes, legends vary widely between cultures, reflecting different beliefs, values, and histories.
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Dec 22, 2023
Can a legend become part of history?
A legend can become part of historical study if evidence emerges that confirms aspects of the story.
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Dec 22, 2023
What is the importance of preserving history?
Preserving history is crucial for understanding our past, learning from it, and shaping our future.
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Dec 22, 2023
Do legends serve an educational purpose?
Legends can serve to educate about cultural values, morals, and historical contexts in a narrative form.
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Dec 22, 2023
What distinguishes a historical event from a legendary one?
A historical event is verified with evidence, while a legendary one is based on tradition without factual confirmation.
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Dec 22, 2023
How do myths differ from legends?
Myths are primarily religious or supernatural tales, while legends are often secular and rooted in real events or places.
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Dec 22, 2023
Why do legends often include supernatural elements?
Legends use supernatural elements to explain the unexplainable or to enhance the story's appeal.
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Dec 22, 2023
Are historical records always accurate?
Historical records may have biases or inaccuracies, which historians aim to identify and understand.
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Dec 22, 2023
Can legends influence historical perceptions?
Legends can influence how historical events or figures are perceived culturally.
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Dec 22, 2023
Is the study of history subjective?
While history aims for objectivity, interpretation and perspectives can introduce subjectivity.
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Dec 22, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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