Fable, Myth, or Legend? Sorting Activity
Fable, legend, or myth—do you know the difference? Each of these timeless story types has unique features and serves a distinct purpose. Fables, like the classic tale “The Tortoise and the Hare,” use animal characters to deliver valuable life lessons. Legends, such as “King Arthur and the Knight of the Round Table,” weave fantastical elements around historical or semi-historical figures. Myths, like the story of “Pandora’s Box,” delve into the supernatural to explain the mysteries of the world.
In this engaging activity, your students will dive into the fascinating world of storytelling. With 34 story summaries to explore, they’ll work together to categorize each tale as a fable, legend, or myth. Starting in pairs then expanding to mid-sized and larger groups, students will collaborate, analyze, and debate their way to mastering these literary distinctions. Let the sorting begin!
Length: 40-50 minutes
Includes:
- “Fable, Legend, or Myth” graphic organizer
- 34 short summaries
- Example stories from cultures all over the world
- 3-page instruction guide and answer key
Related Materials: Check out our other resources for teaching world mythology, fairy tales, and folk tales.
Free Aesop's Fables Download: Use this worksheet to teach your students some of Aesop's most famous fables.
