### written language | fiction:

Legend
* Many legends have their roots in the actual physical features of bats
  - record the disappearance of the moon and sky
  - surround the tiger, including stories of man-eating tigers
  - tell about the origins of boxing in Greece
* Most legends describe gods.
* Some legends have four trees holding the sky at the corners of the world.
* also record that the creatures often sat in trees, coming down only to find food.
* are a kind of imagined history
  - simplified way of dealing with mythology
  - an important way of passing on history and culture
  - attempts to explain reality, and their contents usually become objects of belief
  - books
  - history that happened a long time ago
  - located in maps
* are often a mix of history and imagination
  - about traditions and beliefs
  - people who are known for changing the ways that things are traditionally done
  - the stuff that dreams are made of
* can also be famous or historically significant people , places , art , etc
  - focus on religious and supernatural topics, real individuals, or places
* describe conflict
* generally explain how a natural occurrence originated from the spirit world.
* has it that a soul eater consumes illnesses
  - drinking from a peridot goblet can increase the potency of medicines
  - fairies used to come down to frolic and bathe
  - firecrackers ward off evil spirits
  - in ancient times, ginseng was a fairy in the likeness of a male infant
* hold that the peafowl can charm snakes and addle their eggs.
* is the of the oldest forms of literature.
* often introduce and integrate objects or activities into our daily lives
  - present historical facts
  - tell of animals that offered themselves up for sacrifice
* say dark clouds rolled off the Gulf of Mexico and blotted out the sun
  - that wearers of turquoise are invincible to wild animals and snakes
* says firecrackers ward off evil spirits
  - tiger-eye quartz gems purify the bloodstream and organs from pollutants
* teach cultural values and morals.
+ Ancient Greek boxing, Where it came from: Ancient Greece :: Boxing
  * The activity was called 'pyx' or 'pygme' in Ancient Greek. Archeologists have found evidence that this activity was probably done by the Minoan and Mycenaean cultures. Many legends tell about the origins of boxing in Greece. One legend says that the heroic ruler Theseus invented a type of boxing where two men sat face to face and beat each other with their fists until one of them was killed. Later, the boxers began to fight while standing. In Ancient Greece, most sports were done naked, boxing too.
+ Così fan tutte: Compositions by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart :: 18th century operas
  * Legend says the opera was based on a real-life incident that occurred in Vienna. In the 19th century, the opera was considered somewhat naughty, and was rarely performed. Modern critics however realize the music is some of Mozart's finest, and the opera is now frequently performed around the world.
+ Folies Bergère: Buildings and structures in Paris :: Entertainment venues
  * Daytime view of the theatre, showing art deco sculptured plaque. Legend reads 'The most celebrated music hall in the world'.
+ Sherwood Forest: Geography of England :: Forests in Great Britain
  * Sherwood Forest' is an ancient woodland near Nottingham, England. Legend claims that they lived near the Major Oak. Its branches are now supported by props.
+ University of Cambridge, History, Myths, legends and traditions: Cambridge :: Colleges and universities in England :: 1231 establishments
  * Many legends exist about places in Cambridge. For example, there is a story about the 'Mathematical Bridge' in Queen's College. Newton built it without using any bolts or screws. Some people then took it down to see how it was made. When they tried to put it up again they couldn't do it, so they had to insert many bolts.