Legendaries

Part of speech: noun, adjective

Definitions

  1. Relating to or characteristic of legendary figures, often conveying stories of extraordinary deeds or mythical adventures
  2. Describing beings or entities that hold significant status in myths and folklore, symbolizing heroism or the extraordinary
  3. Pertaining to the traits of fabled characters that inspire awe through their remarkable narratives and cultural heritage

Etymology: The term in question stems from the adjective "legendary," which itself traces back to the Latin word "legendarius," meaning "relating to things to be read." This Latin root comes from "legenda," a gerundive form of "legere," meaning "to read." Originally, "legenda" referred to texts or stories that were meant to be read aloud, especially saints' lives and other religious tales during the medieval period. These stories were often passed down orally or preserved in manuscripts, gaining a reputation for their grandeur and mythic qualities. By the late Middle Ages, the sense of "legendary" had shifted from simply "to be read" to describing something famous, celebrated, or even mythical—stories or figures that transcended ordinary history to become part of cultural imagination. This semantic expansion reflects how legends themselves evolved from mere texts to symbols of heroic or extraordinary deeds. When "legendary" is used as a noun in its plural form, it denotes persons or entities renowned enough to be considered part of such enduring stories, often heroic figures or mythical beings. As an adjective, it describes qualities or actions worthy of being part of those grand narratives. The formation of the plural noun follows a common English pattern of adding "-ies" to adjectives ending in "-y" to create nominal forms referring to multiple instances or examples of the described concept. Thus, "legendaries" collectively refers to multiple legendary figures or things, underscoring their shared status within the realm of myth or fame.

Synonyms: mythical figures, famous people, heroes, icons

Antonyms: unknowns, commoners