People know I love mythologies and similar ideas. “Similar ideas” encompasses quite a few fields, and I think most people use the different terms pretty interchangeably. I’ve not yet found an all-encompassing term for all of this, but I figured I’d establish basic definitions of the different terms.
Myth/Mythology – generally tradition and stories with deities and/or demigods that explain the world around us. A lot of people claim myths are ancient religions that people no longer believe, but that is a super-simplified definition. Myth is quite broad, and its definition is hard to absolutely pinpoint.
Fairy Tale – stories about magical lands and people. Often people turn to the root word of fairy – “fae” which refer to a magical people who could be compared to elves.
Folklore/tales – popular, local beliefs and stories. This might include rituals, belief in local ghosts or witches, even nursery rhymes.
Legend – stories considered historical but that remain unverifiable. Urban legends are included in this.
Tall Tale – tales of people (real or fictional) that perform acts that are larger-than-life. Heavily exaggerated, these tales are supposed to show people at their inhuman best.
Fable – short stories in which animals, plants or objects are given human characteristics. These tales end with either an implied moral or one stated outright.
Mysticism (not technically a part of everything, but I think I should include it) – intended to transform humans, this collection of beliefs, texts, doctrines and ideas often deals with the unknown or invisible, and is often associated with the goal of many religions of becoming “one with God.”
These definitions are not foolproof, and I’m pretty sure I’m forgetting at least one. If you can think of more, let me know. Also, if you know an all-encompassing term for all of these, PLEASE let me know – it’d be super-duper extremely helpful.