伝説
A legend is a very old story that people have told for a long time, often about brave heroes or magical events.
Explanation at your level:
A legend is like a very old story that people tell. It's about someone or something that was very famous a long, long time ago. Maybe it's about a brave hero or a magical event. People tell these stories because they are interesting, and sometimes they think they might be true. Think of stories about knights or kings from history books. These stories are called legends.
A legend is a traditional story that has been told for many years. These stories are often about people who did amazing things, like heroes or important historical figures. While some parts of a legend might be true, they are usually mixed with imagination and are not completely proven facts. We often hear about legends when we study history or read old tales. For example, the story of Robin Hood is a famous legend.
The word legend refers to a traditional story, often regarded as historical, that has been passed down through generations. Legends typically feature heroic characters, significant events, or supernatural elements, and while they may contain a kernel of truth, they are not fully authenticated. They play an important role in cultural identity and understanding the past. A person can also become a legend if they achieve extraordinary success or fame in their field.
A legend denotes a narrative that, while popularly considered historical, lacks definitive authentication. These stories often center on heroic or mythical figures and their deeds, serving as a significant part of a culture's oral or written tradition. The term 'legend' can also be applied to individuals who have achieved exceptional renown and influence in their domain, often to the point of becoming iconic. Distinguishing between legend, myth, and historical fact requires critical analysis of the narrative's origins and content.
In academic discourse, a legend is understood as a traditional narrative, often imbued with popular belief in its historical veracity, yet lacking empirical substantiation. These accounts frequently explore archetypal figures and transformative events, contributing significantly to cultural heritage and collective memory. The appellation 'legendary' is frequently conferred upon individuals whose accomplishments or impact transcend ordinary recognition, solidifying their place in historical or cultural annals. Analyzing legends involves discerning the interplay between historical context, folkloric embellishment, and societal values.
The term legend encompasses a complex category of traditional narrative, situated at the intersection of folklore, history, and belief. Originating from Latin 'legenda' ('things to be read'), its etymological roots point to its initial function in disseminating edifying accounts, particularly of saints. Modern usage retains the connotation of a story popularly regarded as historical but lacking definitive proof, often featuring heroic or supernatural elements that resonate deeply within a cultural psyche. The conferral of 'legendary' status upon individuals signifies an enduring, almost mythic, reputation built upon monumental achievements or profound influence, transcending mere historical record into the realm of cultural archetype.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A legend is an old story, possibly based on history but not fully proven.
- Often features heroes, significant events, or places.
- Can also refer to a person who is extremely famous and admired.
- Distinct from myth (gods/origins) and pure fiction.
Hey there! Let's dive into the awesome word 'legend'. When we talk about a legend, we're usually talking about a story that's been told for ages and ages. Think of it as a tale that's so old, people aren't quite sure if it's completely true or just a really good story that grew over time.
These stories often feature incredible heroes, maybe kings and queens, brave knights, or even mythical creatures! They're the kind of tales that get passed down from parents to kids, and from generation to generation, becoming a really important part of a culture's history and identity. Sometimes, a person can even become a legend if they've done something so amazing or influential that their story lives on long after they're gone!
So, whether it's a story about a brave warrior saving a kingdom or a famous athlete who changed the game, the word 'legend' captures that sense of enduring fame and fascinating, often semi-historical, narrative. It's a word that evokes a sense of wonder, history, and the power of storytelling!
The word 'legend' has a really cool history that goes way back! It comes from the Latin word 'legenda', which literally means 'things to be read'. Back in the Middle Ages, collections of saints' lives were called 'legenda aurea' or 'the golden legend', because they were meant to be read aloud, often in churches.
Over time, the meaning shifted. While the early legends were often about religious figures, the word started to be used for any story that was passed down and believed to be at least partly true, even if it wasn't officially proven. Think of tales of King Arthur and his knights – those are classic examples of legends that blend historical possibility with fantastical elements.
The evolution from 'things to be read' to 'a story believed to be true, though not verified' shows how language changes. It reflects a shift in how we categorize and understand traditional narratives. The word 'legend' now carries a sense of historical weight, even when the stories within it are more about myth and folklore than documented fact. It’s a word that connects us to the past and the stories that shaped it.
You'll find 'legend' used in a few different ways, but they all revolve around that idea of a well-known, often historical or semi-historical, story or person. We often talk about the 'legend of...', like 'the legend of Robin Hood' or 'the legend of Atlantis'. This is a very common way to introduce a specific legendary tale.
We also use 'legend' to describe someone who has achieved so much that they are considered legendary. For example, a famous athlete might be called a 'sports legend' or a 'living legend'. In this context, 'legend' emphasizes their incredible achievements and lasting impact. You might hear phrases like 'He's a true legend in his field' or 'She's become a legend for her groundbreaking work'.
When talking about the stories themselves, 'legend' often implies a blend of fact and fiction. It's not quite a myth (which is usually about gods or supernatural beginnings) and not quite pure history. It sits in that fascinating space in between. You can also use it informally, like saying 'That party was legendary!' to mean it was incredibly fun or memorable, though this is a more casual, modern slang usage.
The word 'legend' itself isn't heavily used in many fixed idioms, but the *concept* of legend is powerful. Here are some ways we talk about legendary things or people:
- Living legend: This refers to someone who is still alive and has achieved so much that they are already considered a legend.
Example: Pelé is considered a living legend in the world of football. - He/She is a legend: A common way to express admiration for someone's great skill, achievement, or character.
Example: My grandpa always tells the best jokes; he's a legend! - Legend has it...: This phrase is used to introduce a story or belief that is widely known but not necessarily proven.
Example: Legend has it that there's buried treasure on this island. - The stuff of legends: Describes events or achievements so extraordinary they seem like they belong in a legend.
Example: Their comeback victory was the stuff of legends. - Legendary status: This refers to the state of being considered a legend.
Example: After that performance, the singer achieved legendary status. - To become a legend: The process of achieving widespread fame and admiration through significant deeds.
Example: Many athletes dream of becoming a legend in their sport.
Grammatically, 'legend' is a common noun. It's usually used in the singular form, but you can talk about multiple legends. For instance, 'The library houses many ancient legends from different cultures.' When referring to a specific legend, we often use the definite article 'the', as in 'the legend of King Arthur'. If you're introducing the concept generally, you might say 'a legend', like 'He became a legend'.
The pronunciation of 'legend' is fairly straightforward. In British English, it's often pronounced as /ˈlɛdʒənd/, with the stress on the first syllable. In American English, it's very similar, /ˈlɛdʒənd/, again with the primary stress on the first syllable. The 'e' sound is like in 'bed', the 'j' is like the 'j' in 'judge', and the 'nd' sound is clear at the end.
Some words that rhyme with 'legend' include 'begun' (though the vowel sound is slightly different), 'uncommon', and 'again' (again, vowel difference). It's a word that doesn't typically cause pronunciation issues for learners once they get the hang of the 'dʒ' sound and the unstressed final syllable. Remember, the emphasis is always on that first syllable!
Fun Fact
The term 'legend' was first used in English in the 14th century, referring to the lives of saints, which were read aloud.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'LED-jund', with the stress on the first syllable. The 'e' is short like in 'bed', and the 'u' sound at the end is unstressed.
Very similar to UK pronunciation. Stress on the first syllable: 'LED-jund'. The vowel sounds are generally the same.
Common Errors
- Adding an extra syllable: 'leg-en-dary'.
- Pronouncing the 'dʒ' sound incorrectly, making it sound like 'g' or 'j'.
- Incorrect stress placement, e.g., 'le-JEND'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Can be challenging due to historical/cultural context and nuanced vocabulary.
Requires understanding subtle differences from related terms like myth/folktale.
The word itself is common, but using it accurately in context might be tricky.
Easier to understand when used in common phrases.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Countable vs. Uncountable Nouns
'Legend' is countable (a legend, legends), unlike 'history' which can be uncountable.
Use of Articles (a/an/the)
Use 'a legend' for any legend, 'the legend' for a specific one.
Past Tense Verbs
Stories are often told in the past tense: 'The hero vanquished the dragon.'
Passive Voice
'The legend is told by many.' (Focuses on the legend, not who tells it).
Examples by Level
The story is a legend.
The / story / is / a / legend.
'a' is used before singular countable nouns.
King Arthur is a legend.
King / Arthur / is / a / legend.
Proper nouns like 'King Arthur' don't need articles.
This is an old legend.
This / is / an / old / legend.
'an' is used before words starting with a vowel sound.
People tell the legend.
People / tell / the / legend.
'the' is used for a specific legend.
It is a famous legend.
It / is / a / famous / legend.
'famous' describes the legend.
The legend is about a hero.
The / legend / is / about / a / hero.
'about' shows the topic of the legend.
Many legends are interesting.
Many / legends / are / interesting.
'legends' is the plural form.
Is it a true legend?
Is / it / a / true / legend?
Questions often start with 'Is'.
The legend of the lost city is fascinating.
The / legend / of / the / lost / city / is / fascinating.
Using 'of' to show possession or connection.
Many cultures have their own legends.
Many / cultures / have / their / own / legends.
'their own' emphasizes belonging.
He is considered a sports legend.
He / is / considered / a / sports / legend.
Passive voice: 'is considered'.
Legend says that dragons once flew here.
Legend / says / that / dragons / once / flew / here.
Using 'that' to introduce a clause.
This tale has become a modern legend.
This / tale / has / become / a / modern / legend.
'has become' indicates a change over time.
We learned about the legend of Sleepy Hollow.
We / learned / about / the / legend / of / Sleepy / Hollow.
Past tense verb 'learned'.
Her achievements gave her legendary status.
Her / achievements / gave / her / legendary / status.
'legendary' is the adjective form.
The story is more myth than legend.
The / story / is / more / myth / than / legend.
Comparative structure 'more... than'.
The legend speaks of a hidden treasure guarded by ancient spirits.
The / legend / speaks / of / a / hidden / treasure / guarded / by / ancient / spirits.
Present simple 'speaks' for ongoing narratives.
Many historical accounts are debated, blurring the line between fact and legend.
Many / historical / accounts / are / debated, / blurring / the / line / between / fact / and / legend.
Participle clause 'blurring the line'.
He earned legendary status for his contributions to science.
He / earned / legendary / status / for / his / contributions / to / science.
Using 'for' to state the reason.
Local legend claims that the old oak tree has magical healing properties.
Local / legend / claims / that / the / old / oak / tree / has / magical / healing / properties.
Present simple 'claims' for reported speech.
The city's founding is shrouded in legend.
The / city's / founding / is / shrouded / in / legend.
Passive voice 'is shrouded'.
She is a true legend in the fashion industry, known for her innovative designs.
She / is / a / true / legend / in / the / fashion / industry, / known / for / her / innovative / designs.
Appositive phrase 'known for...' adds detail.
While some elements are fantastical, the core of the legend is believed by many.
While / some / elements / are / fantastical, / the / core / of / the / legend / is / believed / by / many.
Subordinating conjunction 'While' introduces a contrast.
The story of the Minotaur is a classic Greek legend.
The / story / of / the / Minotaur / is / a / classic / Greek / legend.
Adjectives 'classic' and 'Greek' modify 'legend'.
The enduring appeal of the King Arthur legend lies in its exploration of chivalry and betrayal.
The / enduring / appeal / of / the / King / Arthur / legend / lies / in / its / exploration / of / chivalry / and / betrayal.
Present simple 'lies' for a state of being.
Scholars debate the historicity of the legend, attempting to separate verifiable facts from embellishment.
Scholars / debate / the / historicity / of / the / legend, / attempting / to / separate / verifiable / facts / from / embellishment.
Present participle 'attempting' modifying 'Scholars'.
Her groundbreaking research has cemented her legendary status among peers.
Her / groundbreaking / research / has / cemented / her / legendary / status / among / peers.
Present perfect 'has cemented' for completed action with present relevance.
Local legend has it that a secret tunnel connects the old church to the castle.
Local / legend / has / it / that / a / secret / tunnel / connects / the / old / church / to / the / castle.
Idiomatic phrase 'Legend has it that...'
The narrative has evolved over centuries, transforming a simple folk tale into an international legend.
The / narrative / has / evolved / over / centuries, / transforming / a / simple / folk / tale / into / an / international / legend.
Present perfect continuous implied: 'has been evolving'.
He's not just a great player; he's a legend whose influence transcends the sport.
He's / not / just / a / great / player; / he's / a / legend / whose / influence / transcends / the / sport.
'whose' is a possessive relative pronoun.
The authenticity of the artifact remains questionable, often relegated to the realm of legend.
The / authenticity / of / the / artifact / remains / questionable, / often / relegated / to / the / realm / of / legend.
Passive voice 'remains questionable', 'relegated'.
Children are captivated by the legend of the brave knight who vanquished the dragon.
Children / are / captivated / by / the / legend / of / the / brave / knight / who / vanquished / the / dragon.
Relative clause 'who vanquished the dragon'.
The etymology of 'legend' traces back to the Latin 'legenda,' signifying 'things to be read,' often applied to hagiographies.
The / etymology / of / 'legend' / traces / back / to / the / Latin / 'legenda,' / signifying / 'things / to / be / read,' / often / applied / to / hagiographies.
Present simple 'traces' for historical facts.
Scholarly consensus posits that the King Arthur legend likely emerged from a confluence of historical figures and later romantic embellishments.
Scholarly / consensus / posits / that / the / King / Arthur / legend / likely / emerged / from / a / confluence / of / historical / figures / and / later / romantic / embellishments.
Verb 'posits' implies a formal assertion.
Her unparalleled contributions to theoretical physics have elevated her to legendary status within the scientific community.
Her / unparalleled / contributions / to / theoretical / physics / have / elevated / her / to / legendary / status / within / the / scientific / community.
Present perfect 'have elevated' emphasizes lasting impact.
The pervasive nature of the Atlantis legend underscores humanity's enduring fascination with lost civilizations.
The / pervasive / nature / of / the / Atlantis / legend / underscores / humanity's / enduring / fascination / with / lost / civilizations.
Verb 'underscores' highlights significance.
While ostensibly historical, the narrative's allegorical dimensions suggest it functions more as cultural myth than verifiable legend.
While / ostensibly / historical, / the / narrative's / allegorical / dimensions / suggest / it / functions / more / as / cultural / myth / than / verifiable / legend.
Adverb 'ostensibly' indicates appearance vs. reality.
Many contemporary artists strive for a legendary impact, seeking to create works that will resonate across generations.
Many / contemporary / artists / strive / for / a / legendary / impact, / seeking / to / create / works / that / will / resonate / across / generations.
Present simple 'strive' for general ambition.
The persistence of the 'man in the moon' legend highlights the human tendency to find patterns and narratives in the natural world.
The / persistence / of / the / 'man / in / the / moon' / legend / highlights / the / human / tendency / to / find / patterns / and / narratives / in / the / natural / world.
Verb 'highlights' points out significance.
Distinguishing between folklore, legend, and historical record requires a nuanced understanding of source criticism.
Distinguishing / between / folklore, / legend, / and / historical / record / requires / a / nuanced / understanding / of / source / criticism.
Gerund 'Distinguishing' as the subject.
The semiotic analysis of the legend reveals its deep-seated cultural anxieties and aspirations.
The / semiotic / analysis / of / the / legend / reveals / its / deep-seated / cultural / anxieties / and / aspirations.
Verb 'reveals' used in a formal analytical context.
The transmutation of historical kernels into enduring legend exemplifies the dynamic interplay between collective memory and narrative construction.
The / transmutation / of / historical / kernels / into / enduring / legend / exemplifies / the / dynamic / interplay / between / collective / memory / and / narrative / construction.
Verb 'exemplifies' provides a prime instance.
His posthumous recognition as a literary legend overshadows the initial critical indifference he faced during his lifetime.
His / posthumous / recognition / as / a / literary / legend / overshadows / the / initial / critical / indifference / he / faced / during / his / lifetime.
Verb 'overshadows' indicates dominance.
The anthropological study of origin legends offers profound insights into a society's cosmological framework and social structures.
The / anthropological / study / of / origin / legends / offers / profound / insights / into / a / society's / cosmological / framework / and / social / structures.
Verb 'offers' in a scholarly context.
The legend of the Wandering Jew, a figure cursed to roam the earth eternally, functions as a powerful eschatological motif in European folklore.
The / legend / of / the / Wandering / Jew, / a / figure / cursed / to / roam / the / earth / eternally, / functions / as / a / powerful / eschatological / motif / in / European / folklore.
Verb 'functions as' defines its role.
While often dismissed as apocryphal, the persistent recurrence of certain motifs within the legend warrants closer examination.
While / often / dismissed / as / apocryphal, / the / persistent / recurrence / of / certain / motifs / within / the / legend / warrants / closer / examination.
Verb 'warrants' indicates justification for action.
The very concept of 'legendary' status implies a narrative that has transcended empirical verification to achieve cultural apotheosis.
The / very / concept / of / 'legendary' / status / implies / a / narrative / that / has / transcended / empirical / verification / to / achieve / cultural / apotheosis.
Verb 'implies' suggests a deeper meaning.
Examining the evolution of the El Dorado legend reveals shifting colonial anxieties and the enduring human quest for the unattainable.
Examining / the / evolution / of / the / El / Dorado / legend / reveals / shifting / colonial / anxieties / and / the / enduring / human / quest / for / the / unattainable.
Gerund 'Examining' as the subject of the sentence.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"Legend has it..."
Used to introduce a story or belief that is widely known but not necessarily proven.
Legend has it that if you find a four-leaf clover, you'll have good luck.
neutral"A living legend"
A person who is still alive and is famous and admired for what they have achieved.
The veteran actor is considered a living legend in Hollywood.
neutral"The stuff of legends"
Describes events or achievements so extraordinary that they seem like they belong in a legend; incredibly impressive or remarkable.
Their team's championship win against all odds was the stuff of legends.
neutral"To become a legend"
To achieve a high level of fame and admiration through significant accomplishments.
After winning five gold medals, she was destined to become a legend.
neutral"Legendary figure"
A person who is famous and admired, often for heroic or remarkable deeds.
He is a legendary figure in the history of exploration.
formal"Urban legend"
A modern story, often frightening or humorous, believed by many to be true, but typically false.
The story about alligators in the sewers is a classic urban legend.
neutralEasily Confused
Both are traditional stories, often old and not fully proven.
Myths typically explain origins, involve gods, and are more supernatural. Legends are more focused on human heroes and events with a potential historical basis.
The myth of Persephone explains the seasons. The legend of King Arthur is about a human king and his knights.
Legends are a type of folktale.
'Folktale' is a broader category for traditional stories. 'Legend' is more specific, implying a connection to history or a particular person/place.
Cinderella is a folktale. The legend of the Pied Piper is tied to a specific (though possibly fictional) event.
Legends are often presented as historical accounts.
History refers to documented, verifiable events. Legends are unauthenticated narratives, often containing fictional elements.
The history of World War II is well-documented. The legend of the Loch Ness Monster is not historically proven.
Both involve unverified information being passed around.
A rumor is typically a piece of unsubstantiated information circulating currently. A legend is an older, established story often with a narrative structure and cultural significance.
There's a rumor that the boss is quitting. The legend of the headless horseman has been told for centuries.
Sentence Patterns
The legend of [noun phrase] is [adjective].
The legend of Atlantis is fascinating.
[Subject] is a legend.
Michael Jordan is a legend.
Legend has it that [clause].
Legend has it that pirates buried treasure here.
They told the [adjective] legend.
They told the ancient legend.
He achieved legendary status.
She achieved legendary status for her work.
Word Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
While related, these terms have distinct nuances. Legends often have a more historical grounding than myths or general folktales.
It should modify a noun, e.g., 'a legendary athlete', not stand alone as a noun.
Calling every old story a 'legend' dilutes its specific meaning.
It's important to distinguish between belief and historical evidence.
Incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural.
Tips
Story Association
Connect the word 'legend' to a specific famous legend you know (like King Arthur). Imagine the word 'legend' written on Arthur's shield.
Distinguish from Myth
Remember: Legends often have a human hero and a historical connection, while myths usually involve gods and explain origins.
Cultural Significance
Think about how legends shape a culture's identity and values. What stories does your own culture tell?
Plural Form
Don't forget the plural: 'legend' becomes 'legends'. Use it when talking about multiple stories or people.
Stress the First Syllable
Say it clearly: LEG-end. Putting the stress on the first syllable makes it sound natural.
Fact vs. Legend
Be careful not to present legends as absolute historical facts. Use phrases like 'according to legend' or 'legend has it'.
Reading Material
The word 'legend' literally comes from 'things to be read'! It highlights the importance of stories being shared.
Create Your Own Legend
Invent a short, simple 'legend' about an everyday object or event. This helps internalize the concept.
Informal Use
Notice how 'legendary' can be used informally to mean 'amazing' or 'incredible' (e.g., 'That concert was legendary!').
Build Your Network
Learn related words like 'myth', 'folktale', 'hero', 'ancient', 'traditional', and 'fable' to understand context better.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'LEG' like a long story that's 'END'-less because it's told over and over.
Visual Association
Imagine an old, dusty book with a golden cover, labeled 'LEGENDS', filled with tales of knights and dragons.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to recall three famous legends you know and write one sentence about each.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: 'legenda' - things to be read
Cultural Context
While generally not a sensitive topic, care should be taken when discussing legends that might be tied to specific cultural or religious beliefs, ensuring respectful representation.
In English-speaking cultures, legends are a vital part of folklore, often taught in schools and forming the basis of literature, film, and art. Figures like King Arthur, Robin Hood, and Johnny Appleseed are iconic legendary figures.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Discussing history or folklore
- The legend says...
- According to local legend...
- It's a well-known legend that...
Praising someone's achievements
- He's a true legend!
- She's a living legend in her field.
- His performance was legendary.
Talking about old stories or myths
- That's an old legend.
- The legend involves...
- Is it fact or legend?
Modern informal use
- That party was legendary!
- What a legendary goal!
- It was a legendary experience.
Conversation Starters
"What's a famous legend from your country?"
"Have you ever heard the legend of [mention a specific legend]?"
"Who do you think is a 'living legend' today and why?"
"Do you believe there's any truth to old legends?"
"What makes a story become a legend instead of just a folktale?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a legend you heard as a child. What do you remember about it?
Imagine you could become a legend. What would you do to achieve that status?
Describe a place that has a famous legend associated with it.
Do you think urban legends serve a purpose in modern society? Explain why or why not.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsMyths typically explain the origins of the world, natural phenomena, or involve gods and supernatural beings. Legends are usually about human heroes, historical events, or places, and are believed to have some basis in fact, even if unproven.
Yes! If someone achieves extraordinary success, fame, or influence in their field (like sports, music, or science), they can be called a 'legend' or a 'living legend'.
Legends are often a mix of truth and fiction. They start from a historical event or person but get embellished and changed over time as they are told and retold.
An urban legend is a modern story, often spooky or cautionary, that is widely circulated as true but is usually false. Examples include stories about alligators in sewers or dangerous pranks.
While legendary people are famous, 'legendary' implies a level of fame and admiration that goes beyond ordinary fame. It suggests greatness, enduring impact, and often a touch of the mythical or heroic.
It comes from the Latin word 'legenda', meaning 'things to be read'. It was originally used for collections of saints' lives.
Yes, places can be the subject of legends, like the mythical city of El Dorado or the lost city of Atlantis. The legend is the story associated with the place.
You can say 'The legend of...' (e.g., 'The legend of Robin Hood'), or call a person 'a legend' (e.g., 'He's a sports legend'). You can also say 'Legend has it that...' to introduce a story.
Test Yourself
The story of the brave knight is a famous ____.
A story about a brave knight that is told often is called a legend.
Which of these is most like a legend?
Stories about historical or heroic figures like King Arthur are often legends.
Legends are always proven to be completely true.
Legends are traditional stories often regarded as historical but not authenticated; they may contain elements of truth but are not proven facts.
Word
Meaning
Understanding the differences between these types of stories is key.
The correct sentence is 'The brave hero became a legend'.
Many people consider the retired athlete a ____ legend.
'Sports legend' is a common collocation for an athlete famous for their achievements.
Which phrase best introduces an unverified story?
'Legend has it...' is specifically used to introduce traditional, unproven tales.
The term 'legend' originally referred to stories about supernatural beings.
The term 'legend' originated from Latin 'legenda' meaning 'things to be read', initially referring to saints' lives.
The archaeological evidence does little to support the ____ surrounding the lost city.
'Legend' fits best here, referring to a specific, possibly historical but unverified, narrative associated with the city.
Which best describes the etymological origin of 'legend'?
The word 'legend' comes from the Latin 'legenda', meaning 'things to be read'.
Score: /10
Summary
A legend is a story that lives on because people believe it *could* be true, blending history with imagination.
- A legend is an old story, possibly based on history but not fully proven.
- Often features heroes, significant events, or places.
- Can also refer to a person who is extremely famous and admired.
- Distinct from myth (gods/origins) and pure fiction.
Story Association
Connect the word 'legend' to a specific famous legend you know (like King Arthur). Imagine the word 'legend' written on Arthur's shield.
Distinguish from Myth
Remember: Legends often have a human hero and a historical connection, while myths usually involve gods and explain origins.
Cultural Significance
Think about how legends shape a culture's identity and values. What stories does your own culture tell?
Plural Form
Don't forget the plural: 'legend' becomes 'legends'. Use it when talking about multiple stories or people.
Example
この山には古い伝説が残っている。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More history words
衰退
B1The process of a country, industry, or culture losing power, strength, or vigor and moving toward a decline.
中世
B1The Middle Ages, the period between ancient and modern times.
事柄
B2A matter, affair, or a specific historical event.
近代
B1Modern times, recent ages, often after the Middle Ages.
歴史家
B1A historian, a person who studies and writes about the past.
滅ぼす
A2To destroy, to ruin, or to annihilate (transitive form of 滅びる).
遺産
B2Heritage, legacy, or something inherited from the past.
征服する
A2To conquer, to subjugate, or to overcome.
神聖な
A2Sacred, holy, or divine.
一方で
A2On the other hand, meanwhile, or while.
