Legends

LEGENDS

10th grade English- LeachHero Archetype

2011-2012 CHHS

LegendsAre popular stories about the

past that have been handed down for generations. Most legends have some basis in historical fact.

Legends Legends share the following characteristics:1. The focus on the life and

adventures of legendary heroes, or characters who are human yet “larger than life.”

2. A deep concern with right and wrong.3. Support for feelings of

national pride.

Legends Legends help shape a people’s cultural identity and reflect the values of a community or nation.

Famous Legends

AtlantisRobin HoodKing Arthur Fountain of YouthEl DoradoBlackbeard

Urban LegendsAn urban legend, is a form of modern folklore consisting of stories that may or may not have been believed by their tellers to be true. Stories are told over and over again and spread by word of mouth or in popular entertainment forums (i.e., movies and television).

Common Urban Legends

Blood MaryKiller in the backseatVanishing hitchhikerCan you think of any

others?

Now Read the story in your text!

The Legend of King Arthur Literary experts, historians, and scientists do not agree about whether there was ever a “real” King Arthur. Some believe Arthur and Camelot are completely mythical. Others believe the legends are based on real people and events from over 1500 years ago. Historians and archeologists have long searched for evidence. There has been no definite proof of King Arthur’s existence, but there is enough evidence to cause many experts to believe that there was an early heroic cheiftain in England whose deeds and strong leadership gave rise to the legends.

Video (50 minutes) Fill out the National Geographic Viewing Questions.

Did he even exist?

Courtly LoveVideo (7:20)Was the story of Arthur just a metaphor? The stories were turned to “love poems” and taken to France. This was a sort of Medieval soap opera and it introduced the idea of “courtly love.”