Legend

A legend is a narrative or collection of narratives purported to be historical, but not authenticated by verifiable facts. It often focuses on extraordinary deeds or characters and may involve supernatural elements, mythical figures, or heroic individuals. Legends frequently serve to explain natural phenomena, cultural traditions, or the origins of places and institutions, passing down through oral tradition before often being written down. They are distinguished from myths which are usually tied to religious belief and cosmology, and from history, which depends on documented evidence. The impact of a legend on cultural identity and values can be profound.

Legend meaning with examples

• The tale of King Arthur, a legendary British leader, continues to captivate imaginations with its stories of chivalry, magic, and the quest for the Holy Grail. His exploits, recounted in numerous books and films, weave a complex tapestry of good and evil, offering profound lessons on leadership and morality, cementing his place in British folklore.
• Robin Hood, the legendary outlaw, robs from the rich to give to the poor. His acts of defiance against the Sheriff of Nottingham embody the concept of social justice and the struggle against tyranny, becoming a symbol of resistance against corruption that resonates through ages.
• The legend of Atlantis, a lost city swallowed by the sea, fueled many imaginations for centuries, raising questions about advanced civilizations and the mysteries of the ocean. Despite lacking concrete evidence, the idea persists, offering a captivating reflection of human dreams and a fascination with the unknown.
• The stories around Paul Bunyan, the legendary giant lumberjack, are part of the folk stories from North America, especially around the woodsmen. His extraordinary feats, like creating the Grand Canyon with his axe, epitomize the power of the natural world and human strength.
• The legend of El Dorado, a city of gold sought by Spanish conquistadors, captured the allure of wealth and the relentless pursuit of fortune, despite being based more on fantasy and speculation than reality. The quest exemplifies both the ambitions and the destructiveness of colonialism.