Historical legend – the blurred line between document and fiction

Abstract

A story, in prose or verse, which combines the documentary with the imaginary, the legend fulfills several functions in the educational process: cognitive (it transmits a range of knowledge and information), formative (it has modeling actions on the personality of the individual), integrative (through the story environment, the pupil comes into direct contact with the mental universe of the social group, getting to know its mentality and philosophy of life, to familiarize with the community's system of aesthetic and ethical values), educational and introductory (through the exemplifying power of the message of the legend, the pupil learns a series of rules of behavior concerning what is right and wrong, in accordance with the value system of the community to which they belong). This article refers to a particular type of legend - the historical one. They talk about rulers, outlaws, local historical figures, and various events depicting the past. Historical legends are often stories about things that have happened, as told by chroniclers, based on memories or imaginations of the events described. The issues of these legends range from the characters' origins to the events that portray them psychologically/morally. It is from historical legends, in particular, we get the educational message about dignity, heroism, and bravery in times of adversity; the spirit of justice; love for the country, etc.