The Most Famous Legends, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the legends you think is the most famous!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:59
Legends form the backbone of cultures around the world, each offering a unique blend of mystery, adventure, and wisdom. Understanding which legends resonate most allows for a deeper insight into universal values and the elements of storytelling that engage people across different backgrounds. Ranking these stories provides a clear reflection of what captivates the collective imagination today.
By participating in the voting process, you contribute to a dynamic tally where every opinion counts. This interactive list not only highlights which legends are topping the charts but also continuously shifts to reflect new trends and preferences. Your involvement helps paint a broader picture of global cultural appreciation, enriching the shared understanding of age-old narratives.
Who Are the Most Famous Legends?
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160votes
Charles Ernest Butler · Public domainOne of the most famous legends, King Arthur is a mythical figure who is said to have ruled over Britain in the 6th century. His story has been retold countless times in literature, film, and popular culture.King Arthur is a legendary figure in British mythology, known as the once and future king. He is the central character in the Arthurian legends, a collection of tales and stories that have been passed down through oral tradition and written texts. King Arthur is often depicted as a noble and courageous leader who united Britain, established the Knights of the Round Table, and sought the Holy Grail.- Birthplace: Tintagel (according to legends)
- Parents: King Uther Pendragon and Igraine of Cornwall
- Sword: Excalibur (drawn from the stone)
- Lady of the Lake: Gave Excalibur and its scabbard to Arthur
- Queen: Guinevere
King Arthur in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Arthur
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous knight
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251votesAnother iconic legend, Robin Hood is a heroic outlaw who robbed from the rich to give to the poor in medieval England. His story has been popularized in books, movies, and TV shows.Robin Hood in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous thief of all time
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous archer
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Robin
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous furry in the world
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous highwayman
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular character in 'Once Upon a Time'
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343votesA legendary hero from Greek mythology, Hercules was known for his incredible strength and his many heroic deeds. His story has been retold in countless works of literature, art, and popular culture.Hercules is a popular name for a Bulldog that represents strength, power, and courage. It is inspired by the mythological figure Hercules, known for his extraordinary strength and legendary feats. Bulldogs named Hercules often have a robust and muscular physique, exuding a sense of dominance and resilience.
- Size: Medium to large
- Weight: 50-70 pounds
- Height: 12-16 inches
- Coat: Short and smooth
- Color: Varies, typically brindle, fawn, or white
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435votesA legendary hero of Old English literature, Beowulf is a warrior who battles monsters and dragons to defend his people. His epic poem is one of the most famous works of Anglo-Saxon literature.Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that depicts the heroic deeds and thrilling adventures of the legendary Geatish warrior Beowulf. The poem encompasses battles against terrifying monsters, as well as themes of honor, courage, and the inevitability of mortality. It is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential works of literature in the English language.
- Genre: Epic poetry
- Language: Old English
- Setting: Scandinavia and Denmark
- Theme: Heroism and mortality
- Main Characters: Beowulf, King Hrothgar, Grendel, Grendel's Mother
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527votesA fictional character created by Bram Stoker, Dracula is one of the most iconic vampires in popular culture. His story has been adapted into countless movies, TV shows, and books.Dracula is a popular vampire show based on Bram Stoker's iconic novel of the same name. It follows the story of Count Dracula, a centuries-old vampire who moves from Transylvania to London to spread the undead curse and satisfy his eternal hunger for blood. The show captures the thrilling and mysterious atmosphere of the original tale while adding its own twists and modern elements.
- Genre: Horror, Drama
- Release Date: 1 January 2020
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 3
- Running Time: approximately 90 minutes per episode
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616votesA legendary wizard from Arthurian legend, Merlin is a wise and powerful figure who guides King Arthur and his knights. His story has been retold in many works of literature and popular culture.The Merlin engine is a highly advanced rocket engine developed by SpaceX.
- Thrust: 190,000 lbf (sea level) or 210,000 lbf (vacuum)
- Propellant: Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and rocket-grade kerosene (RP-1)
- Specific Impulse (Vacuum): 311 seconds
- Specific Impulse (Sea Level): 282 seconds
- Fuel Mixture Ratio: 2.3:1 (LOX/RP-1)
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714votesA hero of Greek mythology, Odysseus is known for his cunning and resourcefulness. His epic journey home after the Trojan War is one of the most famous stories in Western literature.
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815votesA legendary lumberjack from American folklore, Paul Bunyan is known for his incredible strength and his giant blue ox, Babe. His story has been retold in many books, cartoons, and other media.Paul Bunyan is a legendary American folk hero known for his enormous size and remarkable feats. He is often depicted as a giant lumberjack with incredible strength and abilities.
- Height: 60 feet
- Strength: able to uproot entire trees with a single swing
- Companions: a blue ox named Babe
- Logging prowess: able to clear entire forests in a single day
- Legendary tool: a massive double-bladed axe
Paul Bunyan in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous lumberjack
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular tall tale
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous giant
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915votesA fictional giant ape, King Kong is one of the most iconic movie monsters of all time. His story has been adapted into many films, TV shows, and other media.King Kong in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous monkey
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous monster
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102votes
w:Theodor von Holst · Public domainA fictional creature created by Mary Shelley, Frankenstein's monster is a classic horror character who is brought to life by a mad scientist. His story has been adapted into many movies, TV shows, and other media.
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Ranking factors for famous legends
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Historical significanceLegends that have significantly impacted history or a particular culture should be given higher importance.
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PopularityLegends that are widely known or familiar to a large audience should be considered important.
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Cultural relevanceLegends that have been passed down through generations and are still relevant in today's society should be given high importance.
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Geographic spreadLegends that are known and celebrated across a wide geographic area or audience should be considered important.
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Impact on literature and artLegends that have influenced literature or art should be given high importance.
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UniquenessLegends that are unique and distinct should be given high importance in the ranking.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous legends. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Legend is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 8709 views
- 193 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Legend once every 24 hours. The rank of each Legend is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most famous legends
Legends are the stories and myths that have been passed down through generations, often becoming larger than life in the retelling. From ancient gods and goddesses to modern-day celebrities, the world is full of fascinating legends that capture our imagination. These legends often become cultural touchstones, representing the values and beliefs of a society. In this article, we will explore some of the most famous legends from around the world, examining their impact and enduring popularity. Whether you are a history buff or simply curious about the stories that have shaped our world, this article is sure to captivate and inspire.
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