Legend vs. Epic — What's the Difference?

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.

An extended narrative poem in elevated or dignified language, celebrating the feats of a legendary or traditional hero.

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

A literary or dramatic composition that resembles an extended narrative poem celebrating heroic feats.

A body or collection of such stories.

A series of events considered appropriate to an epic

See urban legend.

Of, constituting, having to do with, or suggestive of a literary epic

One that inspires legends or achieves legendary fame

Surpassing the usual or ordinary, particularly in scope or size

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

Heroic and impressive in quality

An explanatory caption accompanying an illustration.

An extended narrative poem in elevated or dignified language, celebrating the feats of a deity, demigod (heroic epic), other legend or traditional hero.

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

A series of events considered appropriate to an epic.

An unrealistic story depicting past events.

(computing) In software development, a large or extended user story.

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

Of or relating to an epic.

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

Momentously heroic; grand in scale or character

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

Extending beyond the usual or ordinary.

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

That is an epimorphism.

A person related to a legend or legends.

Narrated in a grand style; pertaining to or designating a kind of narrative poem, usually called an heroic poem, in which real or fictitious events, usually the achievements of some hero, are narrated in an elevated style.

A leading protagonist in a historical legend.

A long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds

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

Very imposing or impressive; surpassing the ordinary (especially in size or scale);

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

Constituting or having to do with or suggestive of a literary epic;

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 musical composition set to a poetical story.

(naval) The design and specification of a vessel.

To tell or narrate; to recount.

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

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

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.

To tell or narrate, as a legend.

A story about mythical or supernatural beings or events

Brief description accompanying an illustration