Fable: Story, usually brief, with a clearly stated moral or lesson at the end, often with animals that speak and act as humans.

   Aesop's Fables
   The Lion and the Mouse
   The Hare and the Tortoise

Fairy Tale: Story about fairies or other magical creatures, or magical objects. Fairy tales are usually old stories that have been retold in many variations over the years.

   Little Gold Star
   Cinderella
   The Frog King
   Puss in Boots

Fantasy: Fiction that contains elements that are not realistic, such as talking animals and magical powers. While a fairy tale is usually an old or old-style story, fantasy is usually used to describe a story written in modern times.

The World in 1984

Legend: Story handed down from the past, sometimes of a national or folk hero, which may have a basis in fact but also includes made-up material.

   John Henry

Myth: A made-up story that may explain a natural phenomenon - such as where thunder comes from or why snow falls from the sky. Myths sometimes include gods and goddesses and other supernatural characters who have the power to make extraordinary things happen.

   Greek myth
   Roman myth
   Norse Land myth
   Near East myth
   South American myth