New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) Early Childhood Practice Test

What literary term describes a heroic narrative focusing on the exploits of a particular person?

1. Legend

2. Myth

3. Chronicle

4. Ballad

The correct answer is: Legend

The term that accurately describes a heroic narrative focusing on the exploits of a particular person is "legend." Legends often recount the lives of notable figures and their adventures, melding historical fact with imaginative storytelling. They typically highlight the character's heroic qualities and may be rooted in cultural traditions, thereby serving both to entertain and to convey moral or cultural lessons. While myths similarly deal with larger-than-life characters and events, they tend to be more concerned with explaining the origins of the world, natural phenomena, or human experiences rather than focusing specifically on individual exploits. Chronicles are accounts that record historical events in chronological order without the narrative embellishment characteristic of legends. Ballads are narrative poems that often tell stories of love, tragedy, or adventure, but they are more focused on the emotional journey rather than the heroic exploits of an individual. Thus, "legend" is the term that best encapsulates a narrative centered on a hero's deeds.