Analysis of the Folklore Legends from Lamego and Celorico de Basto

Abstract

This article has as its goal the analysis of folklore legends from the regions of Lamego and Celorico de Basto. Considering the numerous fictional elements added by the tale tellers across several years, there still resides a truthful background, which reflects the historical accuracy. Three legends will be analyzed, two from the region of Lamego and one from Celorico de Basto, the latter recollected by the authors. The search for the cultural context is fundamental in the comprehension of these stories and their analysis. By using two variants of one legend from same region, making use of comparisons and contradictions, the research of the reality of the elements transmitted through generations becomes simpler. The remaining legends will be subjected to the same analysis, instead using the historical context as a basis for comparison, as opposed to other variants of the legends.