What is Legend? Definition of folk and urban legend and difference from myth

the nomenclature legend is derived from Latin and means what should be read.

In their origin, they narrated stories of saints, but it was demythologized to contents that speak of the culture It is social tradition.

Transmitted orally, from generation to generation, they mix history with fantasy. Modified by tradition, they have also become an unconscious product of the popular imagination.

With the famous “cordless phone” effect, they became a result of the culture of a society when they were signified by such. Therefore, their narratives express the fantasies, fears, misunderstandings, doubts and fears of the people.

Features of the legend

• They are fictional narratives, which use fantasy and imagination to describe the facts;
• They have different characters, from people to animals;
• They fall within the oral tradition;
• Items of the cultural reality of a society;
• Similar to myths, they provide explanations for facts that cannot be explained by science or logic;
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• They receive changes over time, due to the fact that they are passed on and interpreted according to each moment in which they are transmitted.

folk legends

A brazilian popular culture it is extremely rich and, among its peculiar characteristics, is the maintenance of a large number of folkloric legends.

In different regions of the country, north The south, southeast The North East, and even the Midwest, each has its own, transmitted from generation to generation.

see some examples:

• North Region: boitatá, caipora, curupira, iara, werewolf, pirarucu, saci pererê
• South region: shepherd's negrinho, blue jay, João de clay, procession of souls
• Southeast region: sow of the seven piglets
• Northeast Region: mysterious cowboy, cuca, man animal
• Midwest region: mother of gold, pluck tongues, father of the bush, jaguar of the crooked hand

Urban legend

Have you heard of urban legend? Characterized as stories of fabulous or sensational content, they follow the definition of legend, but with a contemporary update, diverging from folkloric versions.

In this modern view, urban legends have themes that cover current times. But, the goal is the same – to try to explain what science is not capable of.

In the Brazilian scenario, some had the greatest prominence. Are they:

• chupacabra
• The Blonde in the Bathroom
• The Bag Man
• cute doll

Myth or legend?

Although they have similar functions, explaining what society does not have as a practical answer, myth and legend are not synonymous.

With a substantial difference in the focus of the narratives, the myths seek to discuss the origin of the world and of men. For this, they use symbology, gods, heroes and supernatural characters as resources.

In general, its purpose is to speak of reality through sacred stories, also including values.

See more legends:

• The Legend of Cassava
• Legend of the Pink Dolphin
• 6 Legends of Halloween