Legends Writing Ideas

catian · Feb 10, 2012

I have been thinking of writing a legend of a fictional character and I am looking to research it first.
which legends have you read or would you recommend for me to read?
Many thanks!

cara · Feb 10, 2012

Most Fantasy Epics seem to have them.
Try 'Game of Thrones' by George RR Martin, 'Troy' by David Gemmel, and so on.

JeffC · Feb 10, 2012

The Power of Myth, by Joseph Campbell. I would strongly suggest watching the interviews as well (if you can find them). While not a legend, it is certainly about them.

catian · Feb 10, 2012

Cara thank you for the two suggestions.

JeffC I thank you very much for the link and I will look it up right now

Buffysquirrel · Feb 10, 2012

I recommend the Irish story cycle, the Ulster cycle. Also, I love me some Persian myths. Demons! Heroes! Then there's the Mabinogion.

dangerousbill · Feb 10, 2012

catian said:
I have been thinking of writing a legend of a fictional character and I am looking to research it first.
which legends have you read or would you recommend for me to read?

There's the timeless Arthur legend, and Robin Hood, the Greek Myths, Siegfried, the Lost Colony. They go on and on.

I'm fond of Native American legends. There are many tribes, each with their own collection of folklore and their own hero and origin stories. Altogether, these number in the many thousands.

blacbird · Feb 10, 2012

African folk myths, strikingly retold by Nigerian writer Amos Tutuola:

The Palm-Wine Drinkard
My Life in the Bush of Ghosts

caw

Legends Writing Ideas

catian

cara

JeffC

catian

Buffysquirrel

dangerousbill

Retired Illuminatus

blacbird