Myths and Legends - Free Printable

Let's solve the task step by step.

Understanding the Definitions:

- Myth: A story that is made up, often involving supernatural beings like gods, monsters, or magical events. Myths are usually not based on real events.
- Examples: Greek Gods, King Midas, Medusa.
- Legend: A story based on a true event from the past, passed down through generations and possibly changed over time. Legends often feature heroes.
- Examples: Robin Hood, King Arthur.

---

Now, let’s analyze each storyline and classify it as Myth or Legend, explain why, and note whether you’ve heard of the story.

---

Completed Table:

| Storyline | Myth or Legend? | Why do you think this? | Have you heard the story? |
|----------|------------------|------------------------|----------------------------|
| 1. Zeus is the God of the sky and king of the Greek Gods. | Myth | Zeus is a Greek god, part of ancient mythology involving supernatural beings and divine powers. | Yes |
| 2. Everything King Midas touched turned to gold. | Myth | This involves a magical curse and is part of Greek mythology about a mortal king with supernatural powers. | Yes |
| 3. People think Big Foot lives in the mountains. | Legend | Although not proven, Bigfoot is based on reported sightings and folklore, passed down through stories. It's a modern legend. | Yes |
| 4. Her hair was made of snakes, if you looked at her you would turn to stone. | Myth | This describes Medusa, a creature from Greek mythology with supernatural abilities. | Yes |
| 5. Robin Hood stole from the rich and gave to the poor. | Legend | Robin Hood is a legendary hero based on historical figures and oral traditions, though his exact existence is debated. | Yes |
| 6. The Griffin had the head of an eagle and the body of a lion. | Myth | Griffins are mythical creatures from ancient myths and legends, combining features of real animals in fantastical ways. | Yes |
| 7. The Greeks used a big wooden horse to defeat the Trojans. | Legend | This is part of the Trojan War story (from Homer’s *Iliad* and *Odyssey*), which blends history and myth. While the war may have had roots in real events, the wooden horse is legendary. | Yes |
| 8. Arthur was the only person to be able to draw the sword out of the stone. | Legend | King Arthur is a legendary British leader, and the "Sword in the Stone" is a key part of his legend. | Yes |

---

✔ Final Answers Explained:

1. Zeus – Myth: He is a deity in Greek mythology.
2. King Midas – Myth: His golden touch is a magical tale from Greek myth.
3. Big Foot – Legend: Based on folklore and sightings, not proven but widely believed in some cultures.
4. Snake-haired woman turning people to stone – Myth: This is Medusa, a mythological monster.
5. Robin Hood – Legend: Based on historical tales of a heroic outlaw.
6. Griffin – Myth: A fictional creature from ancient mythologies.
7. Trojan Horse – Legend: Part of the epic tale of the Trojan War, blending history and myth.
8. Arthur and the Sword in the Stone – Legend: Central to the King Arthur legend.

All these stories are well-known in Western culture, so most people have likely heard of them.

---

✔ Conclusion:
This worksheet helps children distinguish between myths (fantastical, supernatural) and legends (based on real people/events, possibly exaggerated). The table has been completed using clear reasoning based on the definitions provided.

Let me know if you'd like this printed or formatted for students!