A legend is a story coming down from the past, especially one popularly regarded as historical and true, although not verifiable.
Legend Definition
Legends are stories or groups of stories about people, or groups of people, that have been passed on throughout history. Legends may include supernatural beings or some elements of mythology, but they are generally told as a matter of history about a person or a place. Although legends are supposedly at least semi-true stories, they are often transformed over time in order to keep them interesting and relevant. Local legends often travel and change depending on where they are told.
In the English language, the term “legend” dates back to the early 1500s as a narrative story, usually about a saint. About one hundred years later, English-speaking Protestants began using it to imply that an event or person was not real.
Teaching about legends in the classroom gives students the opportunity to learn about how other countries tell stories, and how they are passed on and changed over many years. One activity in a writing unit could be to have students research well known legends, explain the elements of a legend, and then write their own. Another way to use legends in the classroom is to take an existing legend and change it in a new and creative way.
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Try it for Free!Legend Examples
- Robin Hood
- King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table
- The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
- Atlantis
- Kamehameha and the Naha Stone
Want to learn more? Check out our educational article on Literary Genres!
How Tos about Legend: Literary Genre
How to create a classroom activity using legends
Introduce the topic of legends to your class by sharing a brief definition and discussing why legends are important in different cultures. This sets the stage and sparks curiosity among students.
Select and read a legend together
Choose an age-appropriate legend from a book or online resource and read it aloud as a class. Reading together helps students engage and ensures understanding of key elements.
Discuss the story elements of the legend
Ask students to identify the main characters, setting, and plot of the legend. This encourages critical thinking and reinforces comprehension skills.
Encourage students to illustrate a scene from the legend
Have each student draw their favorite scene from the legend and explain their choice to the class. This creative activity builds visual literacy and presentation skills.
Invite students to write their own short legend
Guide students in brainstorming ideas for a simple legend set in their own community, then help them write and share their stories. This develops writing skills and personal connection to the material.
Frequently Asked Questions about Legend: Literary Genre
What is a literary genre?
A literary genre is a category of written works that share similar forms, styles, or subject matter, such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or drama.
Why is it important for students to learn about literary genres?
Learning about literary genres helps students recognize different types of texts, improves reading comprehension, and enables them to choose books that match their interests.
How can teachers introduce literary genres to kids?
Teachers can introduce literary genres by reading examples, discussing genre features, and encouraging students to identify genres in books they already enjoy.
What are some common examples of literary genres?
Common literary genres include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, mystery, fantasy, and biography.
What is the difference between fiction and nonfiction genres?
Fiction genres are imaginative stories created by the author, while nonfiction genres are based on real facts, events, and people.
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