What is the Meaning & Definition of legend
The word Legend comes from the latin legenda ("which must be read"). Originally, this term was put in writing stories to be read publicly in the monasteries or churches. Although little precise from the historical point of view, literature of this kind was the moral or spiritual intent in the foreground. Over time, the word Legend, which loses precision and wins in fantasy, begins to designate any oral narrative or written, including fictional elements but posing as real or based on reality. Legends are passed from generation to generation, usually oral origin and with some changes depending on the time and the context.
Unlike tales, legends are strongly linked to a key element (which can be a character, a place or an object) and focus on integration of the said element in everyday life or in the history of the community to which belongs the legend.
The legend and myth share due to support and explain a given culture. In everyday language, the word Legend often refers to creatures whose existence could never be proved (such as sirens, for example).
Among the most popular legends around the world, we will retain Robin des Bois, an archetypal hero of the English middle ages. Legend places it in the woods of Sherwood, in the vicinity of the city of Nottingham, under the empire of Jean Sans Terre. According to legend, it was a clever poacher with a big heart who détroussait the rich to then redistributed the spoils to the poor. Although some researchers have found many people with similar names, the historical existence of Robin des Bois could never be proven.
Unlike tales, legends are strongly linked to a key element (which can be a character, a place or an object) and focus on integration of the said element in everyday life or in the history of the community to which belongs the legend.
The legend and myth share due to support and explain a given culture. In everyday language, the word Legend often refers to creatures whose existence could never be proved (such as sirens, for example).
Among the most popular legends around the world, we will retain Robin des Bois, an archetypal hero of the English middle ages. Legend places it in the woods of Sherwood, in the vicinity of the city of Nottingham, under the empire of Jean Sans Terre. According to legend, it was a clever poacher with a big heart who détroussait the rich to then redistributed the spoils to the poor. Although some researchers have found many people with similar names, the historical existence of Robin des Bois could never be proven.