Legend

Legend (from Wed.- Latin. Legenda “reading”, “readable”) is one of the varieties of non-fabulous prose folklore . Written tradition of any historical events or personalities.

In a broad sense , an inaccurate narrative of facts of reality.

In a figurative sense, refers to fanned glories, admirable for the events of the past, reflected in fairy tales, stories, etc. As a rule, it contains additional religious or social pathos .

Legend is an approximate synonym for the concept of myth ; the main characters of the story are usually heroes in the full sense of the word, often gods and other supernatural forces directly participate in events. Events in the legend are often exaggerated, a lot of fiction is added. Therefore, scientists do not consider legends to be fully reliable historical evidence, without denying, however, that most of them are based on real events.

Differences between a legend and a myth :

• legend - real events, which then underwent many distortions. Often in the legends in the name of one hero, other heroes are included (Ilya Muromets), or the portrait of an existing hero is changed beyond recognition (Krali Marco).
• myth - completely fictional characters and plots (Prometheus; Pandora). However, a myth can have a moral meaning, and thus the myth becomes parables and fables (Midas and gold).

Legends are divided into religious and social .

Legends were usually oral stories, often set to music; legends were passed on by word of mouth, usually by wandering storytellers . Many legends were later recorded.

Since when legends were made about someone, it meant public recognition of his actions, the word acquired an additional meaning: this is the name of events and figures (for example, “The Legend of Rock”) who received recognition and honor.