Various legends associated with historical events and personalities often do not correspond to facts but can play a significant role in a nation’s history. Deviating from real history can positively affect the readers or listeners because it increases the level of pathos. This factor is vital as many prefer to receive information that they find intriguing or inspiring. Thus, obscure historical depictions can encourage people to take an interest in their country’s past. People need to believe such legends as they have several positive effects on improving people’s understanding of history and enhancing the level of national self-identification.
From a historical standpoint, the legend of King Arthur is a myth created by Welsh clerics about heroes transcending any difficulties, but for ordinary people, believing in this story has several benefits. The main advantages of believing in historical legends relate to the opportunity to understand history better and improve morale in difficult times. For instance, from the various versions of the legend, one can learn about the invasion of the Heathen Saxons or about Camelot Castle, which represents a chivalric utopia (Aron 60). In addition, this legend pays tribute to several generations of kings and knights, increasing people’s pride in their past. In this aspect, even defeats mentioned in legends can have a positive effect on people, motivating them to struggle for a return to their golden age (Aron 60). This statement is supported by the fact that King Arthur is a more renowned person than many rulers whose existence is not in doubt (Higham 32). Overall, legends not supported by facts are an essential part of culture since they can contain general information about historical periods and inspire people.
Many people perceive historical legends as complete fabrications since some aspects described are notoriously illogical and unrealistic. At the same time, descriptions of impossible actions or events make them more appealing to the ordinary reader or listener. Such stories are a significant source of enrichment of national self-identification as they motivate people to take an interest in past events. For instance, the legend of King Arthur is undoubtedly a source from which people have been finding inspirational insights for centuries. Thus, it is vital to believe historical legends if one understands their meaning correctly and can distinguish credible information from outright fiction.
Works Cited
Aron, Paul. Unsolved Mysteries of History: An Eye-Opening Investigation into the Most Baffling Events of All Time. Wiley, 2001.
Higham, Nicholas J. King Arthur: The Making of the Legend. Yale University Press, 2018.