legend
n. countablen. a very old story that might not be true, or a person who is famous for doing something great. In casual talk, you can call a friend a legend if they do something helpful or impressive.
n. a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated; alternatively, a person whose fame or notoriety makes them a cultural icon. In informal register, used as a hyperbolic term of praise for an individual.
The local legend says a giant lived in these mountains.
He became a basketball legend after leading his underdog team to three consecutive national championships.
While the historical accuracy of the account is debated, the legend of the lost city continues to draw thousands of hopeful explorers to the region every decade.
From Middle English legende, from Old French legende, from Medieval Latin legenda (“a legend, story, especially the lives of the saints”), from Latin legenda (“things which ought to be read”), from lego (“to read”).
When referring to the explanatory list of symbols on a map or chart, the noun is typically singular and placed in a corner of the document.