Which genre includes heroic tales and accounts of struggles against gods or monsters?

The correct choice pertains to legends, which are specifically narratives that recount the heroic deeds and significant challenges faced by characters, often in the context of mythical or semi-mythical settings. These tales frequently involve conflicts with gods, mystical beings, or formidable monsters, reflecting the cultural values and beliefs of the societies that tell them.

Legends serve to not only entertain but also to convey moral lessons and historical significance, often blurring the lines between reality and mythology. They are marked by larger-than-life heroes and events that resonate through generations, making them an integral part of a culture’s storytelling tradition.

The other genres present distinct characteristics that set them apart: folklore encompasses traditional beliefs and stories passed down orally, fables focus on short tales that impart moral lessons through animals as characters, and fantasy involves imaginative worlds and elements that may not have a basis in real-life struggles or historical contexts. Legends, with their emphasis on heroism and mythical conflicts, stand out clearly as the correct answer in this instance.