神話, 伝説, and 史実: Myth, legendary fame, and historical fact
Read a creation myth, a legendary comeback, and a film based on history that also includes fiction.
A myth’s content and representation
神話（しんわ） means myth. 「授業で海から島が生まれる神話を読んだ。」 means “In class, we read a myth about islands born from the sea.” The islands’ birth from the sea is the content of the myth read.
「この彫刻は古い神話の英雄を表している。」 means “This sculpture represents a hero from an ancient myth.” The sculpture represents a mythical hero. The sculpture’s existence does not establish that the hero was an actual historical person.
A surviving legend and legendary fame
伝説（でんせつ） means legend. 「村には湖に住む竜の伝説が残っている。」 means “The village has a legend about a dragon living in the lake.” The village retains a legend about the lake’s dragon.
「決勝での逆転劇は今も伝説として語られる。」 means “The comeback in the final is still told as a legend.” Calling the comeback a legend presents its enduring fame. 伝説 does not always identify the same kind of old tale.
Historical fact alongside fiction
史実（しじつ） means historical fact. 「この映画は史実を基にしているが、一部に創作も含まれる。」 means “This film is based on historical facts but also includes some fiction.” Keep both the historical basis and the inclusion of some fiction.
「伝説と史実を区別するには、複数の記録を比べる必要がある。」 means “To distinguish legend from historical fact, we need to compare multiple records.” The sentence states a need to compare records. Having records or using the name legend does not establish a completed determination of truth.
Does この映画は史実を基にしているが、一部に創作も含まれる say that every scene is historical fact?
Show the answer and why
No. It contrasts a historical basis with the inclusion of some fiction. Follow the content and records when distinguishing 神話, 伝説, and historical fact.