Understanding and Creating Legends
What is a Legend?
A legend is a traditional story rooted in a specific culture or place, usually blending
historical fact with fictional or mythological elements. Legends are handed down from one
generation to the next and often serve to explain a cultural belief, celebrate a historical
figure, or impart a moral lesson. They have a basis in reality—such as a real person, place,
or event—but include embellishments that make them captivating and larger-than-life.
Core Elements of a Legend
1. Historical Basis
- Connection to Real Events or People: Legends often feature a historical figure or reference
an event that actually happened, such as a battle, the founding of a city, or the life of a
famous ruler.
- Exaggerated but Recognizable Traits: While based on real-life, these figures may be given
exceptional traits or abilities, often beyond human capability, that make them seem heroic
or even superhuman.
2. Heroic Protagonist
- Symbol of Cultural Values: The main character in a legend is often a hero who reflects the
values and ideals of their culture, such as bravery, wisdom, or loyalty.
- Personal Sacrifice and Triumph: This hero typically faces major challenges or tasks that
require sacrifice and endurance. They might battle enemies, face moral tests, or embark on
a journey that transforms them.
- Growth or Transformation: Legends often emphasize how the protagonist learns or grows
from their experience, making them a role model for the audience.
3. Setting and Time Period
- Historical or Mystical Location: The setting is usually based on a real place or one with
cultural importance, like a famous city, mountain, or river.
- Blend of Real and Imagined Elements: While the location may be real, it’s often mixed with
fictional or mythological details that make it more intriguing, like hidden treasures, secret
caves, or magical forests.
4. Supernatural and Mythical Elements
- Fantastical Events: Legends frequently incorporate supernatural elements—such as
curses, enchanted items, or mystical creatures—that add excitement and mystery to the
story.
- Mythical Creatures and Beings: These stories might include mythical figures like gods,
talking animals, or spirits who either help or challenge the hero.
5. Moral or Cultural Lesson
- Teaching a Lesson: Legends often have a moral lesson or message, like the importance of
courage, honesty, or humility.
- Reflection of Cultural Beliefs: The lessons and themes reflect the beliefs, values, and
concerns of the society that created the legend, helping to pass these values on to future
generations.
The Purpose of Legends
- Cultural Preservation: Legends keep the history and values of a society alive by passing
down important stories.
- Inspiration and Role Models: Legends offer role models through their heroes, who display
qualities that the culture admires.
- Entertainment: As they are passed down orally or in written form, legends entertain
people with thrilling adventures, mysteries, and supernatural encounters.
Describing a Legend
To describe a legend, follow these steps:
1. Identify the Historical Core: Start by describing the historical person or event the legend
is based on.
2. Highlight the Hero’s Journey: Outline the protagonist’s journey, emphasizing their
challenges and growth.
3. Discuss the Mystical Elements: Mention the magical aspects, such as enchanted items or
mythical creatures, and explain how they contribute to the story.
4. Emphasize the Moral Lesson: Conclude by explaining the cultural or moral lesson the
legend imparts, reflecting on how it represents the values of the originating society.
Creating a Legend: A Step-by-Step Guide for Students
Encourage students to use the following steps to create their own legends based on a blend
of historical and fictional elements:
1. Choose a Historical Figure or Event: Pick a real person or event that inspires you. For
example, you could choose a legendary ruler, a famous battle, or the founding of a city.
Think about how to make this figure or event larger-than-life.
2. Invent a Heroic Character or Embellish a Real Person: Create or exaggerate a character
based on the historical figure. Give them heroic qualities that make them admirable or
unique, such as courage, wisdom, or kindness.
3. Select a Setting and Time Period: Decide where and when the story will take place. Use a
real location and time period, but feel free to add mystical touches like hidden realms,
enchanted forests, or powerful natural landmarks.
4. Add Supernatural and Mythical Elements: Make the story more exciting with magical
objects, mythical creatures, or supernatural beings. For example, give the hero a magical
sword or have them encounter a talking animal who gives advice.
5. Build a Conflict and Resolution: Legends often have a conflict—such as an enemy to
defeat, a challenge to overcome, or a mystery to solve. Let your hero face difficulties, learn
something valuable, and eventually find a resolution.
6. Conclude with a Moral or Cultural Lesson: End your legend with a clear message. What
lesson did the hero learn, and what should the audience take away? The lesson could be
about bravery, kindness, or the importance of keeping traditions alive.
Classroom Discussion and Activities
1. Comparing Legends, Myths, and Folktales: Discuss the differences and similarities, and
explore how each one serves a unique purpose in storytelling and culture.
2. Analyzing Cultural Values in Legends: Pick legends from different cultures and discuss
what they reveal about the beliefs and values of those societies.
3. Group Activity - Brainstorming a New Legend: Have students work in groups to
brainstorm ideas for a legend, including a historical figure, hero, setting, and supernatural
elements. Each group can present their legend idea to the class.
