Legend

Definition

Legend is “a story or narrative that lies somewhere between myth and historical fact and which, as a rule, is about a particular figure or person.”

The Function of Legend

  1. To present the story of human actions in such a way that they are perceived by the the listeners or readers to be true (in literature).  
    
  2. To entertain or to amuse the readers about the interesting story (in general)
    

The Characteristics

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  1. A legend is a set in specific place or time
    
  1. The main character is often heroic
    
  1. The main character is a human, not a God
    
  1. A legend is a fictional story
    
  1. Usually there is some historical truth at the heart of every legend
    
  1. Heroes perform great deeds with their strength and their intelligence. Exaggeration is usually involved in retelling deeds.
    
  1. Heroes often give up dreams of happiness to help others
    
  1. The hero is real but some parts of the story are not completely true. They have been stretched or expanded upon.
    
  1. Handed down through generation
    
  1. The story was told orally and turned into literary masterpieces
    

The Generic Structure

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  1. ORIENTATION (INTRODUCTION) This is the introduction of what is inside the text. It tells about the text talks in general, who involves in the text, when and where it happens. It should include the characters of the story.
    
  1. COMPLICATION It tells what happens with the participants. It explores the conflict among the participants.
    
  1. RESOLUTION This phase tells how the participants solve the problems aroused by the conflict. It is not matter whether the participants succeed or fail. The point is the conflict becomes ended. The problem must be resolved
    
  1. RE-ORIENTATION It tells the conclusion of the story. It usually include the lesson from the stor