Legendach

Legendach is a term used in fictional world-building and speculative literature to denote a canon of legends that underpins the culture and history of a setting. It refers to a corpus of mythic narratives about gods, heroes, and pivotal events, preserved across manuscripts, inscriptions, and oral tradition. In many works, Legendach functions as a reference point for beliefs, rituals, and social identity.

Origin and transmission: Within the fictional universe, the Legendach corpus is said to have emerged from a medieval scribal tradition and to have grown through regional compilations and bardic recitation. The name Legendach is described in-universe as a compound of 'legend' with a suffix used to form collective nouns, signaling its status as a multi-author, multi-era compilation.

Content and structure: Legendach texts are largely episodic and recurrently retell origin myths, heroic cycles, and cosmological boons. They often present multiple versions of the same event, with glosses and marginalia that convey local interpretations and ritual applications. Illustrative motifs include journeys, trials, pact-making, and interactions with guardians or spirits.

Cultural role: The Legendach corpus informs ceremonial calendars, moral ideals, and genealogies. It is cited by priests, poets, and rulers to legitimize authority or to frame communal memory. In some settings, scribes and scholars argue for a unified origin, while others emphasize a plural, decentralized tradition.

Examples: In the in-universe canon, prominent Legendach episodes include The Ember Gate, The oath at the River, and The Lantern of the North. Fragments and marginal notes survive in multiple languages, reflecting diverse regional influences. Real-world reception by fans and writers treats Legendach as a flexible storytelling device rather than a fixed authority.