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Setting
the time and place where a story takes place. The setting of a legend plays an important role in the story. It creates a mood (how the reader feels while reading the story) and suspense (excitement and build up in the plot). A legend's setting can also help explain the events of the story.
Possible Settings
local or famous landmarks
magical forests
mystical rock formations
hidden island
supernatural grove
fiery volcano
Hero/Heroine
This is the main character (protagonist) in a legend is often a figure who is larger-than-life. They are admired and respected for their courage, strength and willingness to help others.
Common Traits
Bravery: willing to face danger in order to protect others or uphold what they believe
Strength: physically strong and capable of great feats of strength or endurance
Skill: an ability that makes them uniquely qualified to face the challenges they encounter
Wisdom: deep understanding of the world around them
Compassion: care about other's well-being
Selflessness: willing to put the needs of other before their own
Humility: humble and do not seek recognition for their action
Resilience: able to bounce back from setbacks
Flaws
This is a down fall of a hero. Flaws often make a character more relatable, can add conflict and suspense to a story. This can lead a hero to make a mistake or take action that lead to consequences. It leads the audience to wonder how will the character over come this to achieve their goal. This is an important part of legends because it makes the heros human and relatable.
Legendary Flaws
Pride: over confidence that leads a hero to make rushed decisions or to underestimate (not think they are as good as them) their opponents.
Greed: an overwhelming need for money, fame, or possessions. This can lead a character to do things that are harmful to others.
Jealousy: destructive force that makes heroes want something someone else has. This can lead characters to act out of spite or revenge.
Anger: powerful emotion of rage and wrath. This clouds a hero's judgment and leads to violence and destruction.
Fear: debilitating emotion of being afraid to act. This will prevent a character from doing what they need to do because they are scared.
Super Abilities
In legends, heroes are often times ordinary people with extrordinary abilities. Over time these abilities seem to take on a form of their own and become bigger and grander the more the story is told. Heroes in legends have some skill that helps them over come challenges and achieve their goal.
Hyperbole- an extreme exaggeration
Extraordinary Abilities
strength: heroes are superhumanly strong and can lift heavy object or defeat powerful enemies
speed: heroes are superhumanly fast allowing them to move quickly and easily
durability: heroes are superhumanly durable making them resistant to injury or death
healing factor: heroes are able to quickly recover from injuries
nature connection: heroes are entuned to nature allowing them to know the weather or understand an animals need
technology: heroes use their understanding of technology to enhance their abilities.
The Quest
The quest or challenge is what the plot is built around. They must have specific goals that involve some kind of obstacle that must be overcome. They will test the hero's courage, strength, and determination.
They also inspire the reader to believe that anything is possible.
Quest Ideas
finding lost treasure
defeat an evil wizard
save a prince/princess
stop an apocalypse
slay a dragon
journey to a dark and scary place
gain power and immortality
find magical artifact
Other Characters
These characters can help or hinder the hero.
Mythical Creatures
Writers use mythical creatures to develop the plot and spark interest and curiosity. They also help deepen the meaning of the story. They can:
Explain the natural world
Teach moral lessons
Entertain and inspire
Reflect fears and desires
Create a sense of wonder
Popular mythical creatures are:
Dragons depicted as a serpent like creature that breathes fire and has wings. They are often a symbol of power and wisdom.
Unicorn depicted as a white horse with a single horn on their forehead. They are often a symbol of purity and innocence
Phoenix depicted as a fiery bird reborn from its own ashes, It is seen as a symbol of resurrection and immortality
Griffin depicted as creatures with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. Seen as symbols of strength and courage
Yeti depicted as a large hairy creature said to live in the Himalayan Mountains. Seen as a symbol of the unknown and the power of nature
Kraken depicted as a giant squid that lives in the depth of the ocean. Seen as a power of the sea and the dangers of sailing
Friend or Foe
Writers use other characters to help the story become more compelling and memorable. Stories need these characters to create conflict and tensions.
Friends
provide support and encouragement
help overcome challenges
Foe
Challenges the hero by testing their strength and determination
Provide obstacles to overcome
Examples would include:
villains (antagonist) they oppose heroes like evil wizards, corrupt rulers, or overly ambition and greedy people
wise mentors often older characters who guide the heroes on their journey by provided knowledge, wisdom, and support
nature creatures that are loyal to the heroes and often help on the journey. They can be animals, spirits, or even inanimate objects
townspeople ordinary people who live in the world. They can be helpful or harmful to the heroes
guardian characters who protect the heroes or the world from harm. They can be spirits or animals
tricksters characters known for their ability to get into and out of trouble. They can be helpful or harmful
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