Definition of Mythology, Legend, Folklore, and History

According to the Oxford American College Dictionary, here are some definitions:


Mythology  is a collection of myths, esp. one belonging to a particular religious or cultural tradition.

Myth is a traditional story, esp. one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon and typically involving supernatural beings or events.

Legend is a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated.

Folklore is the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, passed through the generations by word of mouth.

History is the study of past events, particularly in human affairs.