A Legend Was Originally Something to Be Read
A legend is a traditional story. The Latin means to be read, which is why a map has a legend too.
A legend is a traditional story, or a remarkable person. The Latin *legenda* means things to be read, from *legere*, to read — originally the life of a saint read aloud on their feast day. That is why a map's key is also a legend: it is the part you read to understand the rest.
- A traditional story. *An old legend.*
- A remarkable person. *A living legend.*
- A map key. *See the legend.*
- An inscription. *The legend on the coin.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | legend | A local legend. |
| Plural | legends | Ancient legends. |
| Adjective | legendary | Legendary status. |
| Related | legible | Barely legible. |
| Related | lecture | A public lecture. |
How it is used in a sentence
- See the legend for the symbols.Cartography.
- A legend claims a hero is buried there.Folklore.
- Legend, myth and folktale differ.See below.
Legend, myth and folktale
- Legend — set in a real place and time, possibly with a historical seed
- Myth — explains origins, usually involving gods
- Folktale — a story told for entertainment, not presented as true
- Urban legend — a modern story circulated as true
- Saga — a long narrative, originally Norse
From Medieval Latin *legenda*, things to be read, from Latin *legere*, to read or gather — the same root as *lecture* and *legible*.
Legend or myth?
A legend is set in a recognisable historical world and may have a factual seed. A myth explains origins and usually involves the divine.
Why is a map key called a legend?
Because it is what you read in order to interpret the map, from the Latin meaning things to be read.