legend

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Traditional or undocumented genre of story about famous people, commonly religious in character and frequently posing problems of authenticity. Legends are typically narrative, in the form of verse or prose novella, although more complex forms, such as drama or ballad, are possible. It is typical for legends to avoid a strict documentary account in favour of a more poetic and religious interpretation of reality. The epic poem Beowulf is the most important Old English legend. The story of Robin Hood has been a popular legend since the 15th century.

The term was originally applied to the books of readings designed for use in Christian religious service, and was extended to the stories of saints' lives read in monasteries.

Red symbolizes blood. Yellow represents sunshine. Green stands for the islands' riches. Black reflects the Melanesian population. Effective date: 30 July 1980. >>