Have you heard the story of young George Washington and the cherry tree?
You know, the one where he is gifted a hatchet, promptly cuts his father's prized cherry tree, and when confronted, confesses because he 'cannot tell a lie'?
Yeah, that story, used to teach the value of truth, and how one's public greatness is a product of one's inner virtue? Apocryphal.
It's taught/presented/accepted as true when used as a teaching tool, but is actually of doubtful authenticity. Apocryphal stories are usually referring to a sub category of Christian works that are or are not canon, (depending on who you're asking), but they can also be tales like the one above.
I'm not Washington's biggest fan of all time, but I will say that the man has enough apocryphal stories in his mythos that it's no wonder it took me a while to figure out that some things were definitely not right amongst that founding cadre.
So, consider the stories you've been told and don't hesitate to question who wrote the story, who benefits from the story as told, and whose perspective/ voice is missing from the story. That will help you piece together the entire picture. Good luck!
–C