Legendary vs. Legacy — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 20, 2024
Legendary refers to something or someone famed for being extraordinary, often tied to myths or folklore, while legacy pertains to what is handed down from one generation to the next, including tangible and intangible assets.
Difference Between Legendary and Legacy
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Legendary is often associated with tales, myths, or individuals whose deeds and feats surpass the ordinary, becoming a part of cultural or societal folklore. On the other hand, legacy concerns what an individual, group, or era leaves behind for future generations.
While legendary status is often cemented by extraordinary achievements or qualities that elevate individuals or tales to mythic proportions, a legacy is built over time through the contributions and impact one has on their family, community, or field. Legendary figures often have significant legacies, but not all legacies are built on legendary deeds.
The reach and influence of legendary tales or figures often extend beyond their immediate cultural or temporal context, inspiring people across different cultures and eras. In contrast, a legacy, although potentially influential on a broad scale, is more directly connected to the benefactors or inheritors of that legacy.
While both legendary and legacy relate to what is left behind, the former emphasizes extraordinary qualities or achievements that rise to mythic status, whereas the latter focuses on the tangible and intangible heritage passed down through generations.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Refers to being famous or celebrated for extraordinary achievements or qualities.
Pertains to what is handed down or remains from a previous generation.
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Nature
Often mythical or exaggerated, transcending ordinary limits.
Can be tangible (like property) or intangible (like values).
Timeframe
Achievements or qualities that are timeless and enduring.
Often associated with the past but focused on the future impact.
Scope
Primarily individual feats or tales that become widely known.
Can be individual or collective, affecting a family, community, or society.
Example
The legendary exploits of Hercules in Greek mythology.
The legacy of a family’s charitable foundation impacting future generations.
Compare with Definitions
Legendary
Characterized by extraordinary skill or achievement.
Her legendary prowess in negotiations saved the deal.
Legacy
Cultural or intellectual inheritances.
The legacy of ancient Greek philosophy influences modern thought.
Legendary
Having an aura of greatness or iconic status.
The stadium became legendary for its historic games.
Legacy
Memories or reputations that survive an individual's death.
His legacy as a peacemaker remains unmatched.
Legendary
Remarkably famous for something impressive or notable.
The legendary musician's influence can be heard across genres.
Legacy
The lasting impact of an individual's actions or achievements.
Her environmental advocacy is part of her enduring legacy.
Legendary
Associated with myths or tales passed down through generations.
The legendary city of Atlantis continues to captivate imaginations.
Legacy
Something left behind that continues to affect future generations.
The scientist’s legacy lives on through his groundbreaking research.
Legendary
Celebrated in stories or folklore.
Robin Hood is a legendary figure in English folklore.
Legacy
Inherited properties or traditions from ancestors.
The family's legacy of philanthropy is well respected.
Legendary
Of, based on, or discussed in legend.
Legacy
An amount of money or property left to someone in a will
My grandmother died and unexpectedly left me a small legacy
Legendary
Extremely well known; famous or renowned
A legendary talk show host.
Legacy
An applicant to a particular college or university who is regarded preferentially because a parent or other relative attended the same institution
Being a legacy increased a student's chance of being accepted to a highly selective college by up to 45 per cent
Legendary
Of or pertaining to a legend or to legends.
Legacy
Denoting or relating to software or hardware that has been superseded but is difficult to replace because of its wide use.
Legendary
Appearing (solely) in legends.
Legacy
Money or property given to another by will.
Legendary
Having the splendor of a legend; fabled.
Legacy
Something handed down from an ancestor or a predecessor or from the past
A legacy of religious freedom.
Legendary
Having unimaginable greatness; excellent to such an extent to evoke stories.
Legacy
An individual who is either an applicant to an educational institution or a matriculated student and is the child of an alumna or alumnus.
Legendary
(obsolete) A collection of legends, in particular of lives of saints.
Legacy
Retained under an obsolescent or discarded system, chiefly for purposes of reference
Legacy files in the old email system.
Legendary
(obsolete) One who relates legends.
Legacy
(legal) Money or property bequeathed to someone in a will.
Legendary
(Pokémon) A legendary Pokémon.
Legacy
Something inherited from a predecessor or the past.
John Muir left as his legacy an enduring spirit of respect for the environment.
Legendary
Of or pertaining to a legend or to legends; consisting of legends; like a legend; fabulous.
Legendary stories of nurses and old women.
Legacy
(education) The descendant of an alumnus.
Because she was a legacy, her mother's sorority rushed her.
Legendary
A book of legends; a tale or narrative.
Read the Countess of Pembroke's "Arcadia," a gallant legendary full of pleasurable accidents.
Legacy
Left over from the past; no longer current.
Legendary
One who relates legends.
Legacy
A gift of property by will, esp. of money or personal property; a bequest. Also Fig.; as, a legacy of dishonor or disease.
Legendary
So celebrated as to having taken on the nature of a legend;
The legendary exploits of the arctic trailblazers
Legacy
A business with which one is intrusted by another; a commission; - obsolete, except in the phrases last legacy, dying legacy, and the like.
My legacy and message wherefore I am sent into the world.
He came and told his legacy.
Legendary
Celebrated in fable or legend;
The fabled Paul Bunyan and his blue ox
Legendary exploits of Jesse James
Legacy
(law) a gift of personal property by will
Common Curiosities
How does a legendary figure differ from a historical figure?
Legendary figures often blend fact with fiction and are celebrated in myths or folklore, whereas historical figures are recognized for their real-life contributions and documented history.
Is a legacy always positive?
Not necessarily. A legacy can be negative or positive, depending on the impact of the individual's actions on future generations.
Can a legacy change over time?
Yes, perceptions of a person’s legacy can evolve with changing societal values and new interpretations of their contributions.
How do cultures preserve their legacies?
Through storytelling, rituals, education, and preservation of artifacts and traditions.
Can a legendary figure also have a significant legacy?
Yes, many legendary figures have left significant legacies through their influence on culture, values, or the arts.
What makes someone or something legendary?
Achievements or qualities that are extraordinary and memorable, often becoming part of folklore or mythology.
What is the importance of legends in society?
Legends play a crucial role in shaping cultural identities, values, and norms through shared stories and ideals.
What role does inheritance play in a legacy?
Inheritance, both material and immaterial, is a key component of legacy, determining what is passed down to future generations.
Can anyone create a legacy?
Yes, anyone can create a legacy through their actions, achievements, and the values they pass on to others.
Are legendary tales always based on real events?
No, legendary tales often incorporate fantastical elements, making it difficult to distinguish between historical fact and myth.
Why are some legacies controversial?
Legacies can be controversial due to differing perspectives on an individual’s actions and their impact on society.
How can someone ensure their legacy is remembered?
By making meaningful contributions to their community or field and by sharing their stories and values with future generations.
How do individuals influence their own legacies?
Through their actions, choices, and the values they embody and share with others.
Do legacies impact current generations?
Yes, legacies can shape current societal values, practices, and understandings of history.
Can a legacy include physical objects?
Yes, legacies can include physical objects like buildings, artworks, or written works that have historical or sentimental value.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
