| 1 | %% Image selected per Image Pickin' thread: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=1452266899092104700 |
| 2 | %% Please do not change or remove without starting a new thread. |
| 3 | %% |
| 4 | %%This page has been alphabetized. Please add new examples in the correct place |
| 5 | %% |
| 6 | [[quoteright:319:[[ComicBook/TheLifeAndTimesOfScroogeMcDuck https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/living_legend.jpg]]]][[caption-width-right:319:[-For reference purposes, the fellow getting spooked by the [[ComicBook/TheLifeAndTimesOfScroogeMcDuck richest-duck-in-the-world-to-be]] is Wyatt Earp.-] ]] |
| 7 | |
| 8 | ->''"Everybody who is anybody in this business strives to be legendary, and we ''are'' legendary."'' |
| 9 | -->-- '''Malia Hosaka''', summing up her newly expanded PowerStable |
| 10 | |
| 11 | Some people become famous. They're well known, even if not very much is known about them. The Living Legend [[FamedInStory attained fame]] during his/her life (as opposed to posthumously). |
| 12 | |
| 13 | Some famous people are famous for specific things. Some are infamous. Regardless, they actually did, can do, or were present at specific events. The Living Legend is famous because of where he's been, who he's been, who he's been with, and/or what he can do. |
| 14 | |
| 15 | The Living Legend is respected for these things. Wherever he goes, people recognize him and buy him drinks. They ask him if he really did all those things. They want to know what it was like being where he was. They ask him to demonstrate his prowess. |
| 16 | |
| 17 | This is a person whose reputation makes him larger than life even in his own time. The Living Legend can run the gamut from hero to villain, truth to lie, professional to amateur. The point isn't whether his reputation is deserved, but that he has it. |
| 18 | |
| 19 | For those who remember the legend before he was and still don't see him as one, see NoHeroToHisValet. If he deliberately plays up a false reputation, he's MilesGloriosus. If someone else is doing this for him, he's the FakeUltimateHero. If his reputation inspires fear rather than adulation, he may very well be TheDreaded. |
| 20 | |
| 21 | If his reputation is based on having just been in the right place at the right time, he's the AccidentalHero. If he's a random guy thrown into it, he might be an ActionSurvivor. |
| 22 | |
| 23 | Sometimes the Living Legend's reputation is non-specific and he's ShroudedInMyth. Sometimes it's very specific and everyone calls him [[OnceDoneNeverForgotten "The Butcher of X"]]. |
| 24 | |
| 25 | When a character's deeds are remembered in subsequent works, he's LegendaryInTheSequel. |
| 26 | |
| 27 | When he shows up to ruin a protagonist's day, TheAce will often be hailed as a Living Legend by his legion of squeeing fans. |
| 28 | |
| 29 | ---- |
| 30 | !!Examples: |
| 31 | |
| 32 | [[foldercontrol]] |
| 33 | |
| 34 | [[folder:Anime & Manga]] |
| 35 | * In ''Manga/Classi9'', most of the cast is renown across the world for their talent and [[ChildProdigy precocity]], but the [[RedBaron Wunderkind]] Mozartand the [[RedBaron Master Musician]] Beethoven have a mythical status. Mozart became somewhat ShroudedInMyth after he stopped playing publically and Beethoven's magnificent work despite his [[DeafComposer hearing loss]] made him an international icon, so much he was impersonated by an imposter at least twice. |
| 36 | * In ''Manga/DeliciousInDungeon'', [[spoiler:the Lunatic Magician is an entity of legend and many don't even think he exists. Too bad the mage very much does.]] |
| 37 | * ''Anime/DragonBallZ'': |
| 38 | ** Mr. Satan is a FakeUltimateHero version. To the people of Earth, he is their greatest hero and champion. He fought and defeated Cell and the demon Majin Buu. None of this is, of course, true. He shamelessly took credit for beating Cell after Gohan beat him. He did help with Buu, although it was Goku who gave the killing blow. He's so renowned, he gets military support with a phone call, has a city renamed after him, and the first person called when things go wrong. |
| 39 | ** Goku zig-zags this. On Earth, he is well known within the martial arts community. He is a champion of the World Martial Arts Tournament and two-time runner-up in legendary matches. Among some, he is known as the person who killed King Piccolo. However, Goku isn't well known by the general population thanks to him wanting no credit for his work and Mr. Satan stealing any he may gained. In the universe at large, he's much more well known. He's known as the Super Saiyan and is [[TheDreaded feared for defeating Frieza and Majin Buu]]. [[TopGod Even the Supreme Kai knew who he is]]. |
| 40 | ** Master Roshi. When he was introduced, he was revered as the God of Martial Arts and [[WorldsStrongestMan The Strongest Man In The World]]. |
| 41 | ** Roshi's rival, the Crane Hermit, is also well known within the martial's community. He is seen as the former's equal. |
| 42 | * The three elves shown in in ''Manga/FrierenBeyondJourneysEnd'' are this: |
| 43 | ** The title character is a mage of considerable power and versatility who is famed for being part of the group that killed the Demon King. |
| 44 | ** Serie, who mentored Frieren's own master Flamme, is perhaps the single most powerful mage ever, a MasterOfAll who might actually be close to the Goddess in power. She is also the grandmaster of the Continental Magic Association. |
| 45 | ** Kraft is a BareFistedMonk unlike Frieren and Serie, and is notable for being way older than them. As in, he's so old that the legendary events he was once upon a time renowned for in the same vein as Frieren's party has been so lost to time that even the over thousand year-old Frieren has no inkling of what he's done. |
| 46 | * Gin from ''Anime/GingaDensetsuWeed'' as the [[AnyOneCanDie surviving]] [[Anime/GingaNagareboshiGin previous main character]], the dog grew up into killing the nigh invincible killer bear Akakabuto, saving human villages from being terrorized by it and providing fellow wild dogs a peaceful homeland. Weed himself grows into one by the ending. |
| 47 | * Ricardo Martinez in ''Manga/HajimeNoIppo'' is the Mexican long-time featherweight world champion who never lost. He's actually ''called'' "The only living super-legend" and it's said that there's a higher chance that Mexican citizens know him than their own president. |
| 48 | * ''Manga/MyHeroAcademia'' |
| 49 | ** All Might is the number one superhero in Japan, possibly the world - an impressive feat in a world where EveryoneIsASuper - is known as "The Symbol of Peace" and has radically changed Japan's society, eliminating crime almost completely. All the other superheroes and villains either look up to him or [[GreenEyedMonster are driven mad with jealousy]]. However, all the other most popular superheroes are this to a lesser degree. |
| 50 | ** ''Manga/MyHero2008'' had the superhero Positive in this role. [[spoiler:However, after a traumatic event nearly breaks him, he reinvents himself as "Snipe" and actively denigrates his older identity. It's only after an old fan of his discovers the truth that he eventually comes to terms with himself and returns as Positive once more.]] |
| 51 | * This happens across the generations in ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'': |
| 52 | ** Konoha had the Sannin, the Yellow Flash, the White Fang, the First Hokage etc., all definitely living legends when they were in their prime. |
| 53 | ** Kakashi the Copy Ninja is known all over the world, even to people like the Raikage. His contemporary Asuma had a bounty of 35 million ryō on the black market. |
| 54 | ** By the time of the Fourth Shinobi War, Naruto himself is not only a legend in Konoha but is even known to shinobi from other villages. [[spoiler:It becomes even more prevalent ''after'' the war, where his status as the hero of the war goes on to encompass the entire continent -- ''everyone'' knows who he is]]. |
| 55 | * In ''Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi'' Jack Rakan is a living legend able to destroy pocket dimensions by flexing as well as willing himself back into existence. Negi's father, Nagi "The Thousand Master" Springfield is also this by virtue of being the strongest mage around and saving the Magic World at least once. |
| 56 | * ''Manga/OnePiece'': |
| 57 | ** There are several powerful pirates who fit in this category, most notably Silvers Rayleigh, the Number Two of Gold Roger himself. |
| 58 | ** The Marines have Garp and arguably Sengoku. It says something that Garp revealing that he's actually going to take part in a battle is one of the few things that actually made [[BadassArmy the Whitebeard Pirates]] hesitate. It's especially telling when their own captain, Whitebeard himself, also fits the bill, having been considered the only man to equal Gold Roger in sheer fight prowess and the current WorldsStrongestMan. |
| 59 | ** The Straw Hats as a group have reached this status by the time they enter the New World, with other pirates being fearful and awestruck by them. |
| 60 | * ''Anime/PokemonJourneysTheSeries'': May, Ash's traveling companion from ''Anime/PokemonTheSeriesRubyAndSapphire'', has become legendary enough in the Hoenn Region that she's known as "The Princess of Hoenn" like she was on ''Anime/PokemonTheSeriesDiamondAndPearl''. |
| 61 | * Kenshin, or rather his wartime alias of Hitokiri Battousai from ''Manga/RurouniKenshin''. He's a legendary swordsman who is considered the best in all of Japan. He is ShroudedInMyth and no one knows what he really looks like outside his 'X' scar on his cheek and flaming red hair. However, after most people who don't know that Kenshin Himura is the Hitokiri Battousai would not associate such a notorious figure from the revolution with Kaoru's goofy odd-job guy. |
| 62 | * Kishou Arima from ''Manga/TokyoGhoul''. A [[HunterOfMonsters Ghoul Investigator]] feared and adored for his legendary prowess in battle, established when he defeated [[HeroKiller The Owl]] while still a teenager. His reputation has earned him titles such as "CCG's Grim Reaper" and "The Undefeated Ghoul Investigator", with the mere mention of his presence on a battle field sufficient to rally the troops and [[TheDreaded terrify]] Ghouls into fleeing. When he finally shows up in person, it quickly becomes clear his reputation is entirely deserved when he [[spoiler:brutally defeats [[TheHero Kaneki]] and leaves him on the verge of death]]. Other Investigators seem to either worship him (younger generation) or [[TallPoppySyndrome hate him]] for making them all look bad in comparison (older generation). |
| 63 | * Thorkell "The Tall" is this in ''Manga/VinlandSaga'', being renown throughout Scandinavia and the Danelaw for being the WorldsStrongestMan. The Danish army has a collective OhCrap moment when they're being told that he's decided to fight for the underdog English because VictoryIsBoring, and [[spoiler:having beaten Thorkell in a duel gives main character Thorfinn enough cred to have him saddled with the nickname "Karlsefni" (roughly translated as "Man of great skill") and Thorkell's allegiance grants Canute a huge legitimacy boost in standing up to his father.]] |
| 64 | * Victor Nikiforov from ''Anime/YuriOnIce'' is a world-famous figure skater who can pull off routines that are BeyondTheImpossible, such as his championship routine having four quads (most skaters would include one or two quads at most in their routines). Yuri Katsuki even uses the exact name of the trope to describe him. |
| 65 | [[/folder]] |
| 66 | |
| 67 | [[folder:Comics]] |
| 68 | * ''ComicBook/LuckyLuke'', the man who shoots faster than his own shadow, not only is this himself but also meets nearly all real life legends from the TheWildWest across the series: Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill, Roy Bean, Wyatt Earp and his brothers, ComicBook/MarkTwain, Jesse James and his gang, Billy the Kid... the list is simply endless. |
| 69 | * It has been implied by time-traveler characters such as Cable that ComicBook/SpiderMan will become one of these. |
| 70 | * The DC maxi-series ''ComicBook/Trinity2008'' showed people breathe a sigh of relief when they're in trouble and the Justice League shows up. The Justice League cheers when they're in trouble and ComicBook/{{Superman}}, ComicBook/{{Batman}}, and ComicBook/WonderWoman show up. |
| 71 | * V, the titular protagonist from ''ComicBook/VForVendetta'', deliberately invokes this in order to bring down the Norsefire government. |
| 72 | * ''ComicBook/{{Watchmen}}'' deconstructs this and explores both the positive and negative effects of Living Legends, particularly the dehumanizing and demoralizing presence of Doctor Manhattan. |
| 73 | |
| 74 | [[/folder]] |
| 75 | |
| 76 | [[folder:Fan Works]] |
| 77 | * ''Fanfic/ChildOfTheStorm'' has a ''lot'' of these. |
| 78 | ** The Avengers, some of whom were this before they joined the team. |
| 79 | ** Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, is renowned in the supernatural world and the supernaturally-informed mundane world for little things like [[ColonyDrop dropping a satellite]] on Nicodemus Archleone [[NoSell (unfortunately, it only ruined his suit)]]. During the course of the story, she burnishes the reputation significantly. |
| 80 | ** Her father, Magneto, meanwhile, terrifies many other examples of this trope, being TheDreaded and having been so for half a century. Given that he's got power in the Thor-category, a brilliant intellect with which to use it, and the unfortunate combination of a) creativity, b) an ''extraordinary'' capacity for rage, this is not overly surprising. |
| 81 | ** Harry Dresden, who already has his canon reputation up to ''Literature/BloodRites'', which includes killing the Summer Lady, a minor-league goddess at the very height of her power. He then burnishes it considerably by minor matters such as twice duelling Gravemoss, a godlike {{Necromancer}}, and successfully slicing off his arm with an accidentally conjured Soulfire lightsabre. (Yes, this happens. It is ridiculous. And it is ''awesome''). |
| 82 | ** Harry himself rapidly becomes this, much to his disgruntlement - both because he's publicity shy and because it usually involves a TraumaCongaLine. However, as time goes on, he's not shy of leaning on his reputation to make a point. |
| 83 | * In ''Fanfic/CodexEquus'', there are many individuals who have made a name for themselves, which is easy given that the setting takes place in a WorldOfBadass. |
| 84 | ** A [[https://www.deviantart.com/comments/1/763812200/4756013157 conversation]] with [=BrutalityInc=] reveals that [[GodEmperor Golden Scepter]], known as "The Radiant Emperor of Ponykind", is seen as a heroic legend among both Alicornkind and the rest of Equus, being not only a peerless genius and powerful psychic whose mind is said to be unmatched by even the mightiest of Alicorns, but also an incredibly competent ruler who founded ''three empires'' in his lifetime. He's also a beloved war hero who personally fought against Morning Star, and saved Alicornkind from extinction by protecting and hiding those who didn't participate in the war. However, he's not without detractors - many Alicorns see Golden Scepter as "eccentric" for choosing to stay behind and help rebuild Equus rather go into seclusion to help his people regain their former glory, and his actions during the Imperium era made him a very controversial figure even by the Alicorns' standards. |
| 85 | ** Prince Sparkling Wing, known as "The Royal Unifier", is noted in his entry that after leaving his childhood kingdom to travel with Luminiferous as his students, stories and legends about him would pop up throughout the Third Age, telling of a lavender-pelted pegasus stallion who would resolve conflicts all over Equus and manipulate the skies themselves. It's what later led to Sparkling Wing meeting Queen Dazzleglow in the Fourth Age post-Ascension, having heard of said legends and was interested in his potential role in breaking "The Cycle". |
| 86 | * In ''Fanfic/PokemonStrangledRed'', Steven becomes this as the narrator keeps playing the hacked game. [=NPCs=] start to recognize him on his first meetings with them. They even remember and have compassion for him after Miki dies, but Steven wants none of this. |
| 87 | * ''Fanfic/ARavenUnderTheStarlight'': Phoenix the Orange is reputed as one of the most fearsome and respected assassins and martial artists in all of the Far Side of Atmos. |
| 88 | * In ''Fanfic/WhatMightHaveBeen'', Flourite implies that long after the Gem War ended, the Crystal Gems have since settled down and mingled among mankind, inspiring various legends and stories among humanity. |
| 89 | ** Garnet is considered to be the first openly-known cross-gem fusions among gem-kind, often sought after for her advice after the war ended. To humans, her story has long since become something of a fable, Ruby and Sapphire portrayed as magical beings of their own respective mythologies, one such legend portraying them as "a dwarf of fire and a mini-cyclops of ice." |
| 90 | ** Pearl is considered an idol among pearls for being one of the first pearls to embrace independence and warrior spirit, inspiring devotion in other pearls who turn renegade. |
| 91 | * If there is one thing many ''WesternAnimation/ThomasAndFriends'' fanfics make use of, it's this trope applied to all of the main characters for using old-style steam locomotives in regular service while every other railway around the world uses diesel or electric engines. If a fanfic doesn't have a more modern vehicle character mock one of the older ones, it instead has them expressing admiration for being the peak of steam locomotive preservation. |
| 92 | [[/folder]] |
| 93 | |
| 94 | [[folder:Films -- Animated]] |
| 95 | * The super heroes of ''WesternAnimation/TheIncredibles1'' are all well known. This bites them when they start getting sued by an angry populace and they're all forced into hiding. |
| 96 | * In ''WesternAnimation/TurningRed'', Mei becomes this by the end of the movie as the star attraction of her family's temple. |
| 97 | [[/folder]] |
| 98 | |
| 99 | [[folder:Films -- Live-Action]] |
| 100 | * ''Film/AllAboutEve'': Margo Channing got her start at the age of four playing a fairy in ''A Midsummer Night's Dream''. She entered stark naked and has been a legend ever since. |
| 101 | * By the end of ''Film/ArmyOfDarkness'', Ash (housewares) has achieved legendary status, so he claims, among the people of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercia Mercia.]] They wanted to make him king. In his own way, he is king. |
| 102 | * In ''Film/{{The Avengers|2012}}'', ComicBook/CaptainAmerica[=/=]Steve Rogers was already well-known in in the 1940s. But after being presumed dead, he wake up almost seventy years later as a living legend, literally. ComicBook/IronMan[=/=]Tony Stark later remarks to Loki that Captain America is "a living legend who actually lives up to the legend". |
| 103 | * The eponymous hero of Creator/RobertZemeckis' ''WesternAnimation/{{Beowulf|2007}}'' turns into this in the latter half of the movie. At the same time he has aspects of NoHeroToHisValet. And a small touch of MilesGloriosus, as he likes to exaggerate his prowess. |
| 104 | * ''Film/CrouchingTigerHiddenDragon'': Li Mu Bai is famous throughout China for his prowess with the Green Destiny. |
| 105 | * Film/DieHard gives us John [=McClane=]. In the second film (Die Harder), he's recognized by a rogue special ops officer for his interview on ''Nightline''. In the third, a fed makes an immediate connection between the Villain Du Jour and "the thing in LA". In the fourth... he's John [=McClane=], the Irish flatfoot who throws cars at helicopters when he runs out of bullets. |
| 106 | * ''Film/DownWithLove'': Catcher Block - Ladies Man, Man's Man, Man About Town, is a SexGod. |
| 107 | * ''Film/ElCid'': Don Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar becomes this when he forces his '''king''' to publicly swear his lack of involvement in the assassination of his brother. And his story just gets even more heroic and legendary from there. |
| 108 | %%* ''Film/ElMariachi''. "We call him 'El'. It means 'The'." |
| 109 | * ''Film/Emperor2020'': Shields becomes hated and feared by pro-slavers in a larger than life way and respected by slaves and anti-slavery guerrillas as a result of his actions on the run. |
| 110 | %%* "People are always asking me if I know [[Film/FightClub Tyler Durden]]" |
| 111 | * ''Film/{{Hancock}}'' is very well known as a less than popular hero. |
| 112 | %%* "[[Film/IronMan1 I am Iron Man.]]" |
| 113 | * Film/JamesBond: |
| 114 | ** In general, Villains often happen to know of Bond's [[TheAce absolute badass]] reputation, though some will always {{underestimat|ing badassery}}e him and think he can't live up to it. Some villainesses also know of his [[TheCasanova reputation]] [[ReallyGetsAround with the ladies]] and their reactions to it vary. |
| 115 | ** In ''Film/AViewToAKill'', CIA agent Chuck Lee is thrilled at the prospect of partnering up with Bond. |
| 116 | ** Creator/DanielCraig's Bond has reached this status by the time of ''Film/NoTimeToDie'', to the point two CIA agents, Logan Ash and Paloma, are very thrilled to meet him [[spoiler:even though Ash is a traitor and attempts to kill him twice regardless.]] |
| 117 | * ''Franchise/JohnWick'' is an assassin so [[TheDreaded dreaded]] among the criminal underworld, TheDon acts as if his son pissing John off is practically a death sentence. Because it ''is''. |
| 118 | * Pai Mei, in ''Film/KillBill'', is presented, by Bill, as a figure ShroudedInMyth and incredibly proud and deadly. |
| 119 | * In ''Film/TheMartian'', this becomes [[spoiler:Mark]]'s status with students acknowledging them as such and saying it was an honor to meet them, though to be fair [[spoiler:managing to survive alone on ''Mars'' for years with only enough supplies to last a few months at most and then making it back to Earth alive]] will do that to you. |
| 120 | * ''Film/ThePrincessBride'': The Dread Pirate Roberts is a mysterious and terrifying pirate who has long terrorized ... some maritime province. |
| 121 | * In ''Film/ShredderOrpheus'', after being the only living person to perform on PTR and make it back, Orpheus becomes famous among the Grey Zone. |
| 122 | * Luke Skywalker in the Disney ''Franchise/StarWars'' films is this starting with ''Film/TheForceAwakens'' [[spoiler:up until his death at the end of ''Film/TheLastJedi'']]. There are those that even believe that he really is ''just'' a legend, and not someone who actually exists. Rey, the main protagonist of this sequel trilogy is among these until she ends up learning of a map to him in ''The Force Awakens'' and then ends up ''meeting'' him at the end of it, having followed the map. Skywalker, himself, is not happy, as he believes that the Jedi need to end. |
| 123 | -->'''Skywalker''': It was a Jedi Master who was responsible for the training and creation of Darth Vader. |
| 124 | -->'''Rey''': And a Jedi who saved him. Yes. Your father was the most hated man in the galaxy. He caused so much death and destruction for many years. But you saw there was conflict inside him. You believed that he wasn't gone. That he could be turned. |
| 125 | -->'''Skywalker''': And I became a ''legend''. For many years, there was balance and then I saw Ben. My nephew with that mighty Skywalker blood. In my hubris, I thought I could train him... |
| 126 | * Keyzer Soze of ''Film/TheUsualSuspects'' is a mysterious devil figure to the criminal underworld. |
| 127 | * ''Film/XMenApocalypse'': Mystique is greatly admired for saving President Nixon from Magneto in 1973, but she resents her fame, and she chooses to disguise herself in her blond Raven form so that people won't recognize her blue, scaly self. |
| 128 | -->'''Raven Darkholme''': [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14JojQfFg5E I told you I'm not a hero.]]\ |
| 129 | '''Jean Grey''': You're a hero to us. Seeing you that day on TV changed my life.\ |
| 130 | '''Kurt Wagner''': Mine too.\ |
| 131 | '''Peter Maximoff''': Mine too. |
| 132 | %%* The title character of ''Film/YouDontMessWithTheZohan'', at least in Israel and Palestine. |
| 133 | [[/folder]] |
| 134 | |
| 135 | [[folder:Literature]] |
| 136 | * The leaders of various factions in Creator/CJCherryh's ''Literature/AllianceUnion'' universe are generally presented as famous, larger than life, and incredibly competent. |
| 137 | * When Marasi from ''Literature/TheAlloyOfLaw'' meets Wax (and to a lesser extent, Wayne), she is almost starstruck, telling him that he's a legend [[MundaneMadeAwesome at least in criminology circles, anyway.]] |
| 138 | %%* [[Literature/AtlasShrugged Who is John Galt?]] |
| 139 | * ''Literature/AubreyMaturin:'' Both Captain Jack Aubrey and Doctor Stephen Maturin become famous, though for very different things. Jack is famous throughout the navy as Lucky Jack for his martial exploits and later gains some renown for his work in mathematics and astronomy. Stephen is a very admired physician and biologist before he becomes a {{Chessmaster}} in the intelligence community. |
| 140 | * ''Biohazard 4 Kaitai Shinsho'', a novelization for ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil4'', includes a short story titled "Report About Ada" which reveals that her survival of Raccoon City, along with her retrieval of the G-Virus sample, made her a legend in the world of espionage. At one point, she's noted to be the "best of the best" and her reputation is what allows her to find work so easily, despite her shaky allegiance and mysterious past. |
| 141 | * ''Literature/TheBookOfEve'': Mother Chiara achieved fame as a young anchoress and ascetic. When she left her voluntary exile to treat those sick with the plague, she became a folk saint. She went on to found a convent, bringing in women from all walks of life. Beatrice reflects that people meeting Chiara for the first time must be surprised that this famous holy maiden has grown into a rather plain-looking matron. |
| 142 | * Literature/CiaphasCain, Hero of the Imperium! Much to his regret, as he keeps getting sent into danger with people expecting him to pull off some crazy scheme when he would rather just [[DirtyCoward run and hide]] ([[UnreliableNarrator So he claims, anyway]]). |
| 143 | * Duke Alaric Morgan in the ''Literature/{{Deryni}}'' works. He helped King Brion Haldane defeat a Festillic Pretender at age 14, and rose to become Lord General of Gwynedd's armies. Although {{prequel}}s are either published or in process, he was introduced as a LivingLegend when he first appeared in Deryni Rising in 1970. Indeed, he is depicted as [[ShroudedInMyth cultivating a reputation]] for dangerous power as a means of intimidating potential foes and thereby protecting himself. |
| 144 | * In ''Literature/TheDinosaurLords'', Karyl Bogomirskiy is known throughout the continent as the best dinosaur commander there is, and his ShroudedInMyth past, as well as deeds of his adulthood, are already subjects of many a song and poem. It gets to the point that even the enemy dinosaur masters have moments of fanboy glee upon seeing him, and his own employers try to have him assassinated for fear of the following he's developing. |
| 145 | * ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'' has [[LivingLegend/{{Discworld}} its own page]]. |
| 146 | * Quite a few from the various ''Literature/{{Dragonlance}}'' books. |
| 147 | ** Raistlin almost became a god. |
| 148 | ** Huma was famed for his exploits and piety even before his HeroicSacrifice, though he became ShroudedInMyth eons later. |
| 149 | ** Most of the main characters from the original Chronicles trilogy are referred to as "The Heroes of the Lance" in the later books and everyone seems to know their stories. |
| 150 | ** Laurana became famous on both sides as the [[RedBaron Golden General]] due to her miraculous rout of the evil army at the High Clerist's Tower and the repeated victories she won against numerically superior enemy armies during the Vingaard Campaign. |
| 151 | * Orson Gregory in ''Literature/TheDreamsideRoad'' is famous for his role in defeating [[GreatOffscreenWar Thunderworks]]. Even strangers he encounters at the [[AttackOfTheTownFestival Wintertide Festival]] recognize him or his [[FlamingSword signature weaponry]]. |
| 152 | * ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'': Harry Dresden, who is considered to be TheDreaded by his enemies, has done everything from killing a faerie queen (who are technically immortal (it's complicated) and far beyond basically any mortal being) to [[RaisingtheSteaks raising a Zombie T-Rex]]. This is all before he is 40, and he is considered one of the top 30 most powerful wizards on the planet. Bear in mind Dresdenverse wizards don't really come into their full power until they're 100 years old at least. |
| 153 | * ''Literature/TheHanSoloAdventures'': Gallandro has a ''very'' long and well-known list of accomplishments in his gunslinging career. Despite his overall villainous nature, he's actually the HeroOfAnotherStory several times over. That said, Gallandro's fame is largely limited to the Corporate Sector worlds. Han, who spends most of his time in Imperial space, has never heard of Gallandro before their first meeting and thus doesn't realize how dangerous it is to aggravate him. |
| 154 | --> '''Badure:''' Gallandro? [[AffectionateNickname Slick]], you're talking about the guy who single-handedly hijacked the Quamar Messenger on her maiden run and took over that pirate's nest, Geedon V, all by himself. And he went to the gun against the Malorm family, drawing head bounty on all five of them. And no one has ever beaten the score he rolled up when he was flying a fighter with Marso's Demons. Besides which, he's the only man who ever forced the Assassins' Guild to default on a contract; he personally canceled half of their Elite Circle—one at a time—plus assorted journeymen and apprentices. |
| 155 | * ''Literature/HarryPotter'' |
| 156 | ** The titular character, who had a nickname, the Boy Who Lived, by the time he was ''one''. |
| 157 | ** Also, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, who was gaining a reputation in his youth, even before things like his defeat of the Dark Wizard Grindelwald. |
| 158 | ** In a very negative way, Tom Riddle, AKA Lord Voldemort, has such a fearsome reputation that no one will even say his name. |
| 159 | ** Also, Gilderoy Lockhart. At least in fame, as [[FakeUltimateHero his skills aren't exactly good]]... |
| 160 | * ''Literature/HereticsOfDune''. Miles Teg had such an reputation as a military leader for the Bene Gesserit that he was once able to ToWinWithoutFighting. |
| 161 | -->Teg's reputation was an almost universal thing throughout human society of this age. At the Battle of Markon, it had been enough for the enemy to know that Teg was there opposite them in person. They sued for terms. |
| 162 | * ''Literature/TheHitchhikersGuideToTheGalaxy'': |
| 163 | ** Galactic President Zaphod Beeblebrox is quite well known. Not necessarily for good things. He ''is'' [[TakeThat a politician]], after all. |
| 164 | ** The Guide notes that towels (in addition to several legitimate uses) let you cultivate this image: if you can hitch the length and breadth of the galaxy and still know where your towel is, then ''obviously'' you're a badass, and others will think nothing of loaning you some other minor item that you [[BlatantLies happened to recently misplace]]. |
| 165 | * Literature/HonorHarrington by the end of her first book is on her way to LivingLegend status among the good officers of the Royal Manticoran Navy. At the end of the second book, she's achieved this for the planet of Grayson. Her growing fame to the civilian population of Manticore is mentioned in the next several books but explodes after she apparently returns from the dead after leading [[GreatEscape the largest prison break in human history]]. That event also cements her reputation among the Havenites as well. |
| 166 | * Inda of the ''{{Literature/Inda}}'' series attains this status for his prowess in fighting pirates and later his success in fighting the Venn who are invading his homeland. He's so famous as a commander that midway through the fourth book a coalition of kingdoms and trading ports choose a delegate to go beg him to help save them from the Venn, who are threatening to take over the strait that separates the two continents of Sartorias Deles. |
| 167 | * Kvothe from ''Literature/TheKingkillerChronicle'' books. This is partly because he's genuinely special (a natural magician with eidetic recall and a talent for Naming), partly because his quest puts him in situations that just happen to be legend-building status, and partly as a reputation he's deliberately cultivated. |
| 168 | %%** Also the yet-to-be-seen Oren Velciter from the same books. |
| 169 | * In a rare example, AmnesiacHero Caeden from ''Literature/TheLicaniusTrilogy'' is a living legend as [[spoiler:BigBad Aarkein Devaed]], though he doesn't know it yet. Once he finds out, he wisely keeps it a secret. |
| 170 | * ''Literature/MemorySorrowAndThorn:'' Seoman Snowlock begins life as an orphan, adopted into the life of a scullion known only for mischief and day-dreamery. Then he... let's just say that fighting a dragon with an incredibly magic sword is among the ''least'' of what he becomes known for. When he learns that he's the descendant of, simultaneously, a king and a saint and thus one of the strongest candidates for the throne in the world (there's a princess available, but her father was kind of a douche), someone says that even if that ''weren't'' true, he'd be tempted to make it up. Not only would it be believed, but Seoman's incredibly beloved. |
| 171 | * In ''Literature/MidnightRobber by Nalo Hopkinson: After the death of her father, Tan-Tan is on the run, and turns to robbery, partly inspired by the childhood tales she used to hear of the great Robber King back on her home world of Toussaint. Soon, she begins to hear ''wildly'' exaggerated stories of herself. Apparently, the people of New Half-Way Tree were desperate for some legends to call their own, and are not at all ashamed to embellish events for the sake of a good story. |
| 172 | * ''Literature/MrsSmithsSpySchoolForGirls'': [[TheProtagonist Abigail Hunter]]'s mother, Jennifer, is considered to be the best agent the Center ever had. She hears it quite a bit from other agents. |
| 173 | * Skeeve of ''Literature/MythAdventures'' is an OnlyOneName thief who ran away from his father's farm, only to become a widely renowned magician, somewhat feared across the dimensions. |
| 174 | * Rob in ''Literature/AnOutcastInAnotherWorld'' starts to become one [[spoiler:after standing up to The Blight and surviving]]. People that shunned him before even start to respect and/or suck up to him, which – while an objective improvement to his previous situation - leaves a bitter taste in his mouth. |
| 175 | * ''Literature/RealmOfTheElderlings'': |
| 176 | ** [=FitzChivalry=] Farseer goes through several flavors of LivingLegend. First he becomes famous as a warrior defending the shores of the kingdom from the Outisland raiders. Then he becomes infamous as a Wit-user and traitor. Then he becomes a symbol of the wit movement. Finally he becomes TheManBehindTheMan, true ruler of the realm, mostly from the shadows. While on his last harrowing mission for the throne, he learns that not all despise him for his Wit, his apparent treachery, and his death by torture. |
| 177 | ---> '''Fitz:''' I think they are all men who know how to hold their tongue. And will do so, at Prince Dutiful's request. |
| 178 | ---> '''Longwick:''' Some might do so merely at Lord [=FitzChivalry's=] request. |
| 179 | ---> '''Fitz:''' Lord [=FitzChivalry=] would greatly appreciate that. |
| 180 | ---> '''Longwick:''' Very well. But I think it's a shame. You deserve better. What of glory? What of men knowing what you have done and who you are, and giving you the acclaim you deserve for your success? Don't you want to be remembered for what you've done? |
| 181 | ---> '''Fitz:''' I'd rather be forgotten for the things people think I've done. And I'd give it all if I could forget the things I failed to do. |
| 182 | ** In a similar fashion, Kennet, would-be King of the Pirate Isles, is well known among the isles as a particularly capable and professional pirate. Then he gains more and more fame and love for targeting slavers. His reputation passes to his woman, erstwhile whore Etta and later Queen of the Pirate Isles, and his ward, Wintrow, their philosopher King. |
| 183 | ** Also, Malta and Reyn as the first of the new Elderlings. |
| 184 | ** Swift Witted and his father, Burrich, become famous through the Outislands in an almost incidental fashion as Demon-Slayers. Between them, through Burrich's mastery of the Wit-magic and Swift's use of a magic arrow, they slay the stone dragon form of Kebal Rawbread and freed thousands of Outislanders from mystical torment, and a song is fashioned for their feat before they even leave the ice island Aslevjal. |
| 185 | * ''Literature/SnowCrash'': Raven -- He's a one-man nation with a nuclear bomb keyed to his heartbeat and an AbsurdlySharpBlade. |
| 186 | * Richard Cypher, of the ''Literature/SwordOfTruth'' series is a LivingLegend first among the people of D'Hara, then the midlands and Westlands, then the old world. |
| 187 | * ''Franchise/StarWars'' |
| 188 | ** There's no evidence that hero Luke Skywalker is anything but a war hero in the movies, prior to the Disney releases, but in the [[Franchise/StarWarsExpandedUniverse Expanded Universe]] his reputation is a bit more than that. In Literature/TheThrawnTrilogy, he's recognizable such that, when a random fight's about to break out in a bar, everyone looks to him, even the two about to fight, to settle it, based on nothing more than his reputation as a Jedi Knight. He steps up, everyone accepts his judgment, the day is saved. See the film section above for his status in the sequel trilogy released by Disney. |
| 189 | ** Similarly, to be made a Grand Admiral of the Empire requires that you be above and beyond normal military talents. When people find themselves pitted against a Grand Admiral, the result is usually despair. And then there was that brief time you could learn you were coming up against Grand Admiral Thrawn and [[OhCrap know exactly what that meant...]] |
| 190 | * ''Literature/TailchasersSong:'' Fritti Tailchaser helped fight off Cat Satan. He's as much a hero as cats can have. Grizraz (Cat Satan) and Lord Firefoot (CrystalDragonJesus) are immortal and feared/beloved, and ShroudedInMyth. |
| 191 | * Kit Carson, of Robert Asprin's ''Literature/TimeScout'' series. He was one of the very first men to take up the incredibly dangerous profession of stepping through a time portal to find out what's on the other side. |
| 192 | * Alanna becomes this in the ''Literature/TortallUniverse''. She is well on the way there in her own story, ''Literature/SongOfTheLioness''. She is a powerful mage, an expert swordswoman, the instrument of the Great Mother Goddess, and the first female knight in Tortall for over a century. Her deeds include purging an ancient city of demons, curing a MysticalPlague, exposing a traitor and would-be usurper to the throne, and bringing the [[AmplifierArtifact Dominion Jewel]] back from faraway lands. Girls in Tortall and even other countries want to hear stories about her. The downside, as Alanna herself notes, is that it's hard to inspire anyone to actually follow in her footsteps when she's so legendary. She's very pleased that the second girl to try for knighthood, Keladry of Mindelan, is a BadassNormal through-and-through because ordinary girls can actually see themselves in her. |
| 193 | * In Creator/MichaelFlynn's ''[[Literature/SpiralArm Up Jim River]]'', when Zorba, the greatest of the Hounds, appears, the harper is not afraid of her HonoraryUncle, but the Fudir is of his legendary status. |
| 194 | * ''Literature/TheVaginaAssOfLuciferNiggerbastard'': Lucifer is regarded as a legend by those who read the Prophecy Of The Vagina Ass. |
| 195 | * In military thriller ''Literature/{{Victoria}}'', Captain John Rumford becomes one in right-wing circles for his brave (or at least perceived as such) anti-PC behavior and dismissal from the Corps--And then in a more traditionally heroic manner for his military leadership in the civil war and beyond. |
| 196 | * In ''Literature/WarriorCats'', Graystripe becomes this by the time of the third arc, as he was the [=ThunderClan=] deputy who played a part in helping save all the Clans through his life, and as far as the Clans knew, sacrificed himself to save others from capture by Twolegs. When he finds his way back to the Clans in ''The Sight'', Hollypaw is amazed at how all four Clans welcome him home with equal warmth. When everyone's crowding around him and Leafpool tells them to give him space, Hazelpaw even protests, "But he's a legend!" |
| 197 | * Axis [=SunSoar=] from Literature/TheWayfarerRedemption as the legendary [=StarMan=] who recreated Tencendor and saved it from Gorgeal the Destroyer. He then dies and is resurrected in Literature/TheDarkglassMountainTrilogy and is this in spades, no matter which part of the world he's in. |
| 198 | * Several characters in ''Literature/TheWheelOfTime'' series. |
| 199 | ** Rand, Perrin, and Mat are most easily justified, what with being [[WindsOfDestinyChange ta'veren]]. |
| 200 | ** Cadsuane is a more literal example, being a female mage of such age and prestige that most people think of her in the past sense, as a fabled example of Aes Sedai superiority, until she comes out of retirement and takes a part in the events of the books. |
| 201 | * Franchise/TheWitcher: Geralt of Rivia, also known as, White Wolf, Gwynbleidd, White One, Butcher of Blaviken, Ravix of Fourhorn, and Geralt Roger Eric du Haute-Bellegarde. |
| 202 | %%* Sparrowhawk from ''Literature/AWizardOfEarthsea''. |
| 203 | [[/folder]] |
| 204 | |
| 205 | [[folder:Live-Action TV]] |
| 206 | * John Sheridan in ''Series/BabylonFive'' is one, being not only the one human captain who won a battle against the Minbari but managed to ''blow up their flagship''. Humans consider him a hero, while the Minbari call him [[TheButcher Starkiller]]. |
| 207 | * ''Series/BattlestarGalactica1978'': In the episode "The Living Legend", the Galactica encounters the battlestar Pegasus, whose captain is the Colonial military legend Commander Cain. |
| 208 | * ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'': Angelus and Spike are both legendary, and are known as two of the worst recorded vampires in history. Angelus became known for his sadistic nature and fondness for torture, whereas Spike became known for killing two slayers. |
| 209 | * ''Series/BurnNotice:'' Michael Westen is an Urban Legend throughout Russia. Several groups consider the name Michael Westen to be a codename for a team of operatives. In another episode some Russian gangsters find out who's after them, "He's Michael Westen! There are only four of us!" |
| 210 | * In ''Series/{{Chuck}}'' the title character was given the name Charles Carmichael to protect his identity. By the third season Carmichael was known throughout the spy community as an exceptionally dangerous spy. |
| 211 | * ''Series/DoctorWho:'' The Doctor. Some love him, some hate him but he's known throughout the universe. River mentions that he can make an army turn and run at the mere mention of his name and it has been shown that she was not exaggerating. |
| 212 | * In an episode of ''Series/FallingSkies'', Col. Porter tells Tom Mason that he is quickly becoming one. |
| 213 | * ''Series/{{Firefly}}:'' Jaaayne, the man they call Jaaayne. Jayne became an AccidentalHero for a village of mudders. Their worship was boundless. He kind of cherished his position, yet he did not abuse it. |
| 214 | --> '''Jayne:''' Eggs! The LivingLegend needs eggs! |
| 215 | * ''Series/GameOfThrones'': |
| 216 | ** Jon Snow. Being BackFromTheDead and having killed a White Walker in single combat does god-like wonders for one's reputation. |
| 217 | ** From the end of Season 1, the remnants of Daenerys' khalasar most definitely believe this beyond her merely being the last female Targaryen. We also see from Season 5 that the red priests of R'hllor have proclaimed her a divine champion who will lead the world to victory in the Long Night. Her exploits are well known throughout Westeros by the time she and her armies makes landfall. |
| 218 | ** Barristan Selmy is the most respected swordsman of Westeros, treated with equal devotion by fearsome comrades-in-arms and former adversaries. Ned Stark, Jaime Lannister, Jorah Mormont and even Tywin Lannister speak of him with respect. A more subtle example is present when he's stripped of his rank by Cersei. The Hound, who stands beside the throne, is normally TheStoic even in the face of a threat, but when Ser Barristan draws his sword, The Hound immediately places his own hand on his hilt, indicating that even ''he'' considers Barristan a serious threat. |
| 219 | * ''Series/HoratioHornblower'': Some naval captains receive this treatment, and more often than not, it causes problems. |
| 220 | ** Captain "Dreadnought" Foster is ultra-famous and lots of people aboard the "Indy" admire him immensely, young Horatio included. Many sailors try to serve and indulge him, giving him blankets so that he can dry himself and alcohol to warm himself up. Pellew is reluctant to join in heaping praise on him and doesn't like that Horatio glorifies him. Hornblower's admiration for Foster is dashed when Foster insists on taking meat from a supply ship under Hornblower's command, which is still under quarantine for plague. Foster becomes a BrokenPedestal for him. |
| 221 | ** Captain Sawyer's one of Nelson's own and a national hero who distinguished himself at the Battle of Nile. He's also completely [[InsaneAdmiral insane]]. Because of his reputation, Horblower and especially Mr Bush realize much later than they otherwise would have that he's unable to command and try to act for the good of the ship, which means TheMutiny. In addition, if Sawyer hadn't been a Living Legend, the court-martial could have been a mere formality or the jury wouldn't have been so hard-ass on the lieutenants. But since they felt they had to preserve Sawyer's reputation, they were looking for a scapegoat. |
| 222 | * There's at least two examples in ''Series/OurMissBrooks'': |
| 223 | ** In "The Big Game", there's former high school football star "Snakehips", whose high score in the big game won him a job as a vice-president. |
| 224 | ** In "Safari O'Tool" there's Miss Davis's beau, a famous jungle explorer. [[spoiler:He's a fraud.]] |
| 225 | * ''Series/{{House}}'' has its titular character House. People will go as far to risk dangerous and illegal sea crossings just to try and make use of his diagnostic brilliance. One character even notes that he reached his legend status while he was still a medical student. |
| 226 | * Most of the main cast of ''Series/PersonOfInterest'' are something of one. Harold and Root are still well known and looked up to in the hacker community(though of course these people don't know their real names), John is known as an UrbanLegend called 'The Man in the Suit' by the police, and Shaw is something of one for the ISA, with its operatives believing that no one could survive what she has. |
| 227 | * ''Franchise/PowerRangers'' |
| 228 | ** Andros and the other Rangers from ''Series/PowerRangersInSpace'' are this, demonstrated by "[[Series/PowerRangersLostGalaxy To the Tenth Power]]." ("You're Andros, the Red Ranger!") Tommy Oliver and Jason Lee Scott are this at least among Rangers (since they kept their identities secret) in "[[Series/PowerRangersWildForce Forever]] [[ReunionShow R]][[MilestoneCelebration ed]]". Cole in particular goes fanboy over Jason. |
| 229 | ** By the time of ''Series/PowerRangersDinoThunder'', Tommy's reputation has surpassed ''Jason's'', due to having been four colors (green, white, red, ''and'' black), and having been leader of three teams of rangers. Both in and out-of-universe, he is considered the "Greatest Ranger Ever" and for good reason. |
| 230 | * Parodied in ''Music/TheRutles'' - the band are supposedly a living legend that will live long after other living legends have died. |
| 231 | * ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'' |
| 232 | ** There are hints that the crew of the ''Enterprise'', and the ship herself, are considered this. Kirk is certainly a notorious figure among the Klingons, as demonstrated in "Errand of Mercy" (where Kor already knows him by reputation) and "The Trouble with Tribbles" (where even the trash-talking Korax has to give Kirk his due, albeit as a "tin-plated dictator with delusions of godhood"); and Spock, despite being only half-Vulcan, is explicitly described in the episode "[[Recap/StarTrekS2E1AmokTime Amok Time]]" as "a legend among our people" by his mate T'Pring. This is very prominent in the movies as well, particularly ''Film/StarTrekIVTheVoyageHome'' and ''Film/StarTrekVITheUndiscoveredCountry''. |
| 233 | ** Kirk ''expected'' to end up with this reputation, and beat the ''[[UnwinnableTrainingSimulation Kobayashi Maru]]'' test by reprogramming it so the simulated Klingons would react to him this way. |
| 234 | ** By the time of ''Series/StarTrekVoyager,'' Kirk and his entire crew have achieved this status. In the episode "Flashback" (featuring a cameo from Sulu), Captain Janeway and Harry Kim talk about the original crew like they're old folk heroes. |
| 235 | * ''Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine'': |
| 236 | ** Kang, Kor and Koloth, who were all introduced in ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'', are living legends in ''[[Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine Deep Space Nine]]'', at least until the episodes that feature their deaths. |
| 237 | ** Dax is an odd example. The symbiote named Dax has been alive for centuries although each host has a normal Trill lifespan. As a result, Dax is revered throughout the Klingon Empire because Curzon Dax brought peace between the Klingons and the Federation. Although Curzon dies two years before the start of the show, Jadzia Dax is accorded the honour due the reputation as if she were still Curzon precisely because Dax is still alive even if the host has changed. |
| 238 | * ''Series/StarTrekPicard'': |
| 239 | ** Jean-Luc Picard is famous across the Alpha and Beta Quadrants, although his reputation has been somewhat tarnished after he resigned from Starfleet because he chose to do absolutely nothing (other than caring for his family's vineyard and writing history books) during his retirement. |
| 240 | ** Rios is in awe when he finds out from Raffi that Seven of Nine is ''the'' notorious ex-Borg Fenris Ranger from the Delta Quadrant. |
| 241 | * ''Series/WhiteCollar'': |
| 242 | ** Neal Caffrey is such a capable thief and ConMan that there's an entire unit on his ''[[InsistentTerminology alleged]]'' crimes in a college criminology class. When he shows up in person, the students and professor all squee, just a bit. |
| 243 | ** Mozzie became an UrbanLegend by accident. He was so smart that, as a kid, he hired a man to be the face of his book-making operation, the Dentist of Detroit. The operation got pushed out by TheMafia, but the Dentist lived on. |
| 244 | [[/folder]] |
| 245 | |
| 246 | [[folder:Pro Wrestling]] |
| 247 | * Wrestling/BrunoSammartino was called "The Living Legend." |
| 248 | ** Wrestling/LarryZbyszko appropriated the name as "The New Living Legend" during a feud. Zbyszko would later attempt to sue Wrestling/ChrisJericho, who had also appropriated the nickname. This did not go well for him. |
| 249 | * Aside from those who actually used the name word-for-word, there are a number of wrestlers who became legends in their own time, perhaps most notably Wrestling/ElSanto in Lucha Libre and Wrestling/{{Rikidozan}} in Japanese ''puroresu.'' After Sammartino, the American wrestler who most embodies the description might be Wrestling/LouThesz. |
| 250 | * One of Wrestling/MickFoley's many nicknames is the 'Hardcore Legend', and for good reason. See also the famous sign that said 'FOLEY is GOD'. |
| 251 | * Wrestling/TheUndertaker certainly has this reputation through his many years of service and spellbinding matches. |
| 252 | [[/folder]] |
| 253 | |
| 254 | [[folder:Tabletop Games]] |
| 255 | * As appropriate for the setting, ''TabletopGame/BattleTech'' features numerous characters who were legends in their eras: Morgan Kell, Natasha Kerensky AKA The Black Widow, Victor Steiner-Davion, Kai Allard-Liao, and Aleksander Kerensky were all legendary characters known for their skill (and in Natasha's case, being a sex icon) when they were alive. |
| 256 | * ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'': |
| 257 | ** The ''Stormwrack'' sourcebook describes the Legendary Captain PrestigeClass, geared around playing ship captains who have become figures of legend and dockside myth during their own lifetimes. |
| 258 | ** ''TabletopGame/ForgottenRealms'': Elminster, immortal Chosen of Mystra, goddess of magic. Becoming a Living Legend is easier, of course, when you're ReallySevenHundredYearsOld. |
| 259 | * ''TabletopGame/WarhammerFantasy'': Special characters are unique characters from the game's setting and lore who all qualify for this trope. They usually come with unique special rules and magical items that are part of their legend, and depending on character and edition can range from 'slight deviations from generic characters you take for fun' to 'AwesomeButImpractical unique characters that are stronger but much more expensive than anything you could build yourself'. Each major faction usually has between three to ten of them in their army book, with some editions (like the fifth, seventh and eighth editions) being heavier on special characters and some (third, fourth and sixth) being lighter. |
| 260 | * Pick any major leader from ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000'', and they'll have a lengthy list of acomplishments and victories that will bring recognition and fear wherever they go. But a standout version of this would be Commissar Sebasian Yarrick, whose a legend not only among humans as the Hero of Hades Hive[[note]]such that during the Third War of Armageddon, Space Marines that had been fighting for longer than he had been alive deferred to Yarrick[[/note]], but among the orks that he's slaughtered across his career. The Greenskins say "Old Yarrick" can kill with a glance and is so dead-'ard that not even death can touch him, and Ghazgkhull Thraka (the biggest, baddest ork in the galaxy) considers Yarrick his WorthyOpponent. |
| 261 | [[/folder]] |
| 262 | |
| 263 | [[folder:Theatre]] |
| 264 | * ''{{Theater/Twisted}}'' has Prince Achmed the Tigerfucker. Note that there was no bestiality involved in the first place, Achmed returned home with his rear end bleeding from wounds inflicted by a tiger. His soldiers thought they came from his having sex with the tiger and hold this to be his greatest feat, to his chagrin. Even when invading the neighboring kingdom they still think it's to capture the tiger. |
| 265 | [[/folder]] |
| 266 | |
| 267 | [[folder:Toys]] |
| 268 | * In virtually every universe, [[Franchise/{{Transformers}} Optimus Prime and Megatron]] are ''the'' living legends. There are sometimes others--Overlord, Arcee, Starscream, Grimlock--but they're more often notorious. Only Optimus and Megatron are universally respected [=and/or=] feared. |
| 269 | [[/folder]] |
| 270 | |
| 271 | [[folder:Video Games]] |
| 272 | * ''Franchise/AssassinsCreed'': |
| 273 | ** ''VideoGame/AssassinsCreedI'': Altaïr was famous among the Assassins for being a prodigy, although he let that reputation go to his head, making him respected by all, but liked by few. After [[BreakTheHaughty the events of his game]], he's earned the enmity of everyone involved in the Crusades, and also [[TheAtoner the loyalty of every Assassin]] outside of their citadel. His legacy extends even to Assassins in the modern day, who hold him in high regard for rewriting the rules of the order and implimenting many changes to their equipment and training methoods. |
| 274 | ** Ezio Auditore likewise earns the love of the Assassins and the fear of the Templars, though he's anonymous to the general public. |
| 275 | * Many of the Bhaalspawn of ''VideoGame/BaldursGate'' toil in anonymity, unaware of their divine parentage. Sarevok and the PC are among the few who truly stand out. |
| 276 | * ''Franchise/BlazBlue'': |
| 277 | ** The Six Heroes, at least those who are alive, are well-known historic figures that defeated the Black Beast and saved humanity from extinction. Anyone who recognizes them as a member of the Six Heroes either shows deep reverence or even deeper fear towards them. |
| 278 | ** Jin Kisaragi is praised as "The Hero of Ikaruga" because he singlehandedly turned the civil war in Ikaruga around and ended it. In a bit of a twist, [[spoiler:Hakumen, the leader of the Six Heroes, is a [[MyFutureSelfAndMe time displaced Jin Kisaragi]]]], making him a bit of a twofer when it comes to this trope. |
| 279 | * After you've played a few missions in ''VideoGame/CityOfHeroes'', {{NPC}}s start recognizing you and calling you by name. A passing civilian will say "Nice costume, (your name here)!" or an opponent will say "Cheezit, it's (your name here)!" when you approach. |
| 280 | * ''VideoGame/Cyberpunk2077'': |
| 281 | ** [[PlayerCharacter V]] becomes one in the [[spoiler:"Path of Glory" ending]], where they're known as the person who [[spoiler:single-handedly took down the Arasaka tower and weakened the corporation holding the city by the throat.]] |
| 282 | ** On the other side of that conflict, there's Adam Smasher, a Solo turned corporate goon whose efficiency is only matched by his sadism and fetishistic interest in cybernetics. Jackie mentions his name alongside legendary edgerunners Morgan Blackhand and Weyland Boa-Boa, but also says that Smasher's legend is "a bleak motherfucking one". [[spoiler:V managing to [[DefeatingTheUndefeatable take him down]] is one of the things that secures their status as a Night City Legend in the above ending]]. |
| 283 | ** There's also Rogue Amendiares, who was one of the greatest Edgerunners of her time (including figures such as [[IconOfRebellion Johnny Silverhand]] and [[WorldsBestWarrior Morgan Blackhand]]) and one of the very few who managed to survive long enough to effectively retire. |
| 284 | * ''VideoGame/DeathStranding'': Sam [[ExperiencedProtagonist already starts the game as an accomplished porter, known for delivering absurd amounts of cargo very quickly and in perfect condition.]] His status is cemented at the end of the game, after he [[spoiler:reconnects the entirety of the [=UCA=] thanks to the chiral network and manages to avert the apocalypse]]. |
| 285 | * Dante in ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry'' is known as the Legendary Devil Hunter starting some time after the [[VideoGame/DevilMayCry1 original game]]. He takes after his father, Sparda, who was known as the Legendary Dark Knight in his glory days. |
| 286 | * ''VideoGame/{{Diablo}}'': The hero of the first game was only really known in the one very small town. Of the second, much more widely known and thus deserving of the title Living Legend. |
| 287 | * ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'': By ''VideoGame/Doom2016'', the Doomguy, now referred to by demons and humans alike as the [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast Doom Slayer]], has become to demons what they are to humans. A [[TheDreaded terrifying force of nature]] that they would tell hushed stories about for his [[ImplacableMan unstoppable and utterly brutal assaults]] on their domain. In ''VideoGame/DoomEternal'', even the humans that the Slayer fights to defend are terrified at the very sight of this [[OneManArmy relentless killing machine]]. |
| 288 | * ''Franchise/DragonAge'' |
| 289 | ** By the end of their respective games, the Warden in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins'' and the Champion in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'' are internationally famous, in a quasi-medieval society that can't use magic for fast communications. That's impressive just for its difficulty. |
| 290 | ** Additionally there are Paragons, also known as living Ancestors, who are this to the dwarves. |
| 291 | * VideoGame/DukeNukem [[LegendaryInTheSequel is famous as of]] ''VideoGame/DukeNukemForever''. |
| 292 | * ''Franchise/TheElderScrolls'': |
| 293 | ** By the end of the main quest of ''VideoGame/TheElderScrollsIIIMorrowind'', the player character is widely recognised as Nerevarine and Hortator, a reincarnation of the legendary hero Nerevar and champion of Morrowind's people. |
| 294 | ** In ''VideoGame/TheElderScrollsVSkyrim'', the player character becomes one once he/she is revealed to be the last Dragonborn, early in the main quest. |
| 295 | * ''VideoGame/EXTRAPOWERGiantFist'': Zophy is nearly universally recognized for his great hero status, with characters like Wolf and Figma eager to test their strength against his legendary fighting prowess, and Japanese student Miku quickly learning about his heart of justice. |
| 296 | * Each ''VideoGame/{{Fable}}'' game introduces a Hero who becomes very famous. Or infamous. |
| 297 | * By the end of any of the ''VideoGame/{{Fallout}}'' games, the hero will have altered the face of whatever wasteland he/she happens to inhabit, for better or for worse. This is discussed in ''VideoGame/FalloutNewVegas'' in the Lonesome Road DLC in regards to Legate Lanius. According to Ulysses, Lanius' greatest weapon is his personal legacy as an indomitable warlord feared both by the NCR and the Legion, with Caesar going out of his way to make him more mysterious (thus justifying [[MultipleChoicePast the conflicting details of his past]]). However, this also means that Lanius is deeply afraid of defeat since [[SlaveToPR a single loss will damage his reputation]], meaning that by sowing doubt within his mind [[TalkingTheMonsterToDeath he can be convinced to retreat]]. |
| 298 | * ''[[VideoGame/FatalFury Fatal Fury's]]'' [[{{Eagleland}} Terry Bogard]] is well known on the streets of South Town, where he achieved his status by defeating Geese Howard. He went on to make a name for himself in the rest of the world, by facing even tougher opponents such as [[NobleDemon Wolfgang Krauser]], [[EnfantTerrible the Jin Twins]], and Kain. Which has earned him such distinctions as: [[RedBaron "The Legendary Lone Wolf"]] and [[BloodKnight "Hungry Wolf Bogard".]] |
| 299 | * ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyX:'' |
| 300 | ** Yuna starts out known as the daughter of the last summoner to defeat Sin. She's famous as the one to permanently defeat it [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyX2 after that]]. |
| 301 | ** Auron is also an example since he was the guardian of the last summoner to defeat Sin. [[spoiler:Since he's become [[OurGhostsAreDifferent an Unsent]] in the time between Braska's pilgrimage and Yuna's, he skips the "living" part a bit.]] |
| 302 | * ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV'' has the PlayerCharacter, known as the "Warrior of Light". At the beginning of ''A Realm Reborn'', they are an adventurer of modest origins, but over the course of the game and its subsequent expansions, they go on to drive back TheEmpire threatening their homeland, end a ForeverWar between Ishgard and the dragons on peaceful terms, liberate two countries from imperial rule, and save a parallel world from destruction before confronting an entity that threatens the entire universe. With every expansion, their legend only grows. And that goes extra for players from the 1.0 version of the game, as they were present when Eorzea was almost destroyed by Bahamut! |
| 303 | * Athos from ''VideoGame/FireEmblemTheBlazingBlade'' is specifically referred to as a Living Legend in-game, as one of the Eight Legends who fought the dragons in [[GreatOffscreenWar the Scouring]] nearly a millennium before the game starts. [[spoiler:He passes away at the end of the game, living just long enough to help the current generation save the day and give them a cryptic prophecy about [[VideoGame/FireEmblemTheBindingBlade their future.]]]] |
| 304 | * ''VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoViceCity:'' Tommy Vercetti was sent to Vice City because, as "The Harwood Butcher", he was too hot for Liberty City. |
| 305 | * ''VideoGame/HalfLife:'' The Free Man - Opener Of The Way, Gordon Freeman. Started a revolution in ''VideoGame/HalfLife2'' just by showing up. |
| 306 | * ''Franchise/{{Halo}}'': |
| 307 | ** The [[SuperSoldier Spartan-IIs]] as a whole can be considered this (the few who are still alive, anyways); the ''VideoGame/HaloWars'' manual even describes them as "A walking legend". In particular, series protagonist Master Chief John-117 is almost unanimously regarded as humanity's greatest soldier. |
| 308 | ** Arbiter Thel 'Vadam is regarded as this from ''VideoGame/Halo2'' onward, due to being the Elites' greatest hero during the Great Schism; in the post-war era, his popularity leads to him becoming his species's most prominent leader. |
| 309 | * ''VideoGame/HeavyMetalFAKK2'': Julie - She Who Slays Gods. Well deserved as she [[spoiler:put an end to Tyler's ravage across the galaxy]] in the [[WesternAnimation/HeavyMetal2000 animated movie prequel]]. |
| 310 | * ''VideoGame/TrailsSeries'' has a few characters who live up to their reputations as one of the biggest badasses ever to roam the land due to the things they've done in the series. |
| 311 | ** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfHeroesTrailsInTheSky'' has Cassius Bright, father of TheHero Estelle Bright who used to be a general of the Liberl Army and managed to push back against the invading Erebonia empire up north. Indeed, the plot of ''Sky First Chapter'' is what happens when a man of his stature retires from the army (the guilt of not being able to save his wife during the war) and decides to become a bracer instead (and he's still one of the biggest badasses in the guild as he's a S-ranked bracer, the highest rank in the Bracer Guild.) |
| 312 | ** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfHeroesTrailsOfColdSteel III'' has [[TheHero Rean Schwarzer]] who became a legend due to him ending the CivilWar in ''Cold Steel II''. Although in his case, [[FakeUltimateHero some of the details that he's done]] are exaggerated due to propaganda from the chancellor of the empire (who is revealed to be his missing father). Nevertheless, he is TheDreaded for other countries as his skills and his HumongousMecha Valimar are more than a match for [[TheRepublic Calvard's]] military. Indeed, the reason the cast of ''Anime/TheLegendOfHeroesTrailsOfColdSteelNorthernWar'' are at Erebonia is to get any intel of him before he starts wrecking their homeland, North Ambria. |
| 313 | * ''VideoGame/LikeADragon'' |
| 314 | ** Kazuma Kiryu, [[RedBaron the Dragon of Dojima]]. Anyone that doesn't know of him and crosses him [[NoHoldsBarredBeatdown does so at their own peril]], and those who do know of him do their best not to, for Kiryu is a OneManArmy who has trashed multiple crime syndicates, triads, and rogue government agencies when they pissed him off. And even if he was only Chairman for fifteen minutes, he's still respected as a leader of one of the most powerful yakuza clans in Japan, even though he's not even an official member for most of the series. |
| 315 | ** Goro Majima, [[RedBaron the Mad Dog of Shimano]]. Anyone who is capable of going toe-to-toe with Kiryu ''multiple times'' is bound to be a legend based on that much alone, but Majima's reputation extends beyond his association with Kiryu: in addition to a reputation for his manic personality that make few want to cross him, he has also been a major leading figure in the Tojo Clan who helped to steer the organization's course throughout its history, on top of a business acumen that helped create and maintain a legitimate construction company for many years. |
| 316 | ** By the beginning of ''VideoGame/LikeADragonInfiniteWealth'', Ichiban Kasuga has become lauded as the "Hero of Yokohama", a man who went from taking the rap for a murder he didn't commit, to homeless and barely surviving getting shot after the fall of the Tojo Clan, to a fringe politician who blew the lid off of a political corruption scandal that brought down the governor of Tokyo, after which he made a name for himself as the go-to guy for former yakuza hoping to go straight to find legitimate and gainful employment. |
| 317 | * ''Franchise/MassEffect'': |
| 318 | ** Commander Shepard starts the game as somewhat famous, enough to warrant the Council having taken interest in them for several years for possible Spectre candidacy, as well as earn themselves a rather over-eager LoonyFan. Depending on your [[MultipleChoicePast choices at the start of the game]], Shepard can also be hailed as "[[YouShallNotPass The Hero of Elysium]]" or feared as "[[TheButcher The Butcher of Torfan]]". By the end of the first game, s/he is ridiculously famous after saving the galaxy. In the second game, it's mentioned that during the two year interim while they were being resurrected by Cerberus, most worlds erected memorial gardens dedicated to them and with the Colonist background, their image now adorns the colonial seal of their homeworld, while a BrokenBase has formed over those who feel joy and betrayed by their return from the dead. In the third game, when the Reapers do return and Shepard's warnings are vindicated, s/he becomes a living inspiration and symbol of hope to humanity and all of the other species involved in the war effort. The epilogue of the third game has it revealed that [[spoiler:Shepard is remembered and venerated far into the future as "The Shepard", although the precise details of their legend [[ShroudedInMyth have been lost to time]]]]. |
| 319 | ** Those who serve with Shepard tend to become legends as well. Some even start this way, such as; |
| 320 | ** Urdnot Wrex, who killed a Thresher Maw on foot, was the youngest war leader ever and one of the rare, powerful Krogan battle masters and a mercenary with centuries of experience even before teaming up with Shepard and killing a Reaper. |
| 321 | ** Samara is a Justicar of the Asari, basically a living Avatar of Law. |
| 322 | ** After the events of the first game, Garrus Vakarian goes to Omega and takes on the persona of Archangel. That is to say, he went to Space Gotham and became [[SpaceX Space]] Franchise/{{Batman}}. |
| 323 | * ''VideoGame/MetalGear'': The Boss is the "Legendary Soldier" who definitively won World War II, Big Boss is the "Legendary Mercenary" who ended up establishing the general political atmosphere of the Cold War Era, and Solid Snake's own title is the "Legendary Hero" for defeating countless rogue terrorist cells among others. When they were still alive, utmost respect, fear, and admiration was given to them until they were succeeded by the next Living Legend. |
| 324 | * [[Franchise/{{Metroid}} Samus Aran]] is treated as this by both Space Pirate {{mooks}}, who call her "The Hunter," and Galactic Federation soldiers, particularly in the ''[[VideoGame/MetroidPrimeTrilogy Metroid Prime]]'' series of games. Many low-ranking members of both groups are often disbelieving of the various feats that Samus has accomplished, and responses to the confirmation of her existence range from absolute terror on the part of the former and stunned awe on the part of the latter. |
| 325 | * The Phantom Thieves of Hearts in ''VideoGame/Persona5'' start out being seen as a prank, then they take down a Mafia Boss that the police could not touch, a hacker organization threatening the entirety of Japan, become the first criminal organization to ever evade and defeat the SIU, reveal TheConspiracy that had practically taken over said country and cap it off by defeating a God, solidifying them as this by the end of the game. |
| 326 | * The many incarnations of ''VideoGame/PlanescapeTorment'''s the Nameless One have had and deserved every kind of reputation. |
| 327 | * ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'' |
| 328 | ** In ''VideoGame/PokemonBlack2AndWhite2'', Sabrina (the former Saffron City Gym Leader from the original ''VideoGame/PokemonRedAndBlue'') has started an acting career and has become quite a celebrity in Unova because of it. A lot of people at [=PokeStar=] Studios admire her, and a guy at the PWT calls her "Queen Sabrina". |
| 329 | ** Another ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'' example: Red certainly qualifies, as by the time of Generation II he has earned admiration throughout the land for single-handedly defeating Team Rocket and becoming the Champion of Kanto. In ''VideoGame/PokemonMasters'', his Sync Move is literally "Living Legend Blast Burn." |
| 330 | * In ''VideoGame/PrinceOfPersiaTheTwoThrones'', the Prince returns to his home and becomes beloved by the people as a liberating hero. |
| 331 | * In ''VideoGame/PuckOFF'', Dominator is the best player the world has ever seen. He's like Gretzky, a man everybody knows around the world. |
| 332 | * In ''VideoGame/RedDeadRedemption'' we get Landon Ricketts. It's made evident in the Undead Overrun game of why he has earned this title. There are three areas that can never be taken over by the undead. Two are heavily walled with an army inside and the third one is just him in a wide open area keeping the town zombie free single-handedly. |
| 333 | -->''I was the fastest in my time. I must've been - I'm the only one left.'' |
| 334 | * ''VideoGame/SaintsRow'': As a group, the Third Street Saints, in the third game. The Boss, in particular, is incredibly famous. So much so that, by the fourth game, s/he becomes President of the United States [[spoiler:and by the spinoff of the fourth game, the GodEmperor of the universe]]. |
| 335 | * ''Franchise/StarCraft'' has a number of war heroes who grow to legendary reputation during the games. |
| 336 | ** Jim Raynor, one of the few to be known by all three races: By the zerg as an old associate of the Queen of Blades (now turned dangerous foe), by the Terrans as one of Mengsk's most valuable allies once, now turned infamous rebel leader, and by the Protoss as the human that helped Tassadar bring down the Overmind. The latter is particularly valuable, as he's essentially the only human the Protoss properly respect. |
| 337 | ** Artanis grows into one over the course of ''VideoGame/StarCraftIILegacyOfTheVoid''. [[spoiler:He saves Nerazim Protoss from the extermination, protects Terrans on Korhal, allies with Tal'darim and Purifiers and reintegrates them into Protoss society, reclaims his homeworld and ultimately leads all three races into the Void to destroy Amon once and for good.]] It ultimately reaches the point where multiple Protoss cry "En taro Artanis"[[note]]"In honor of Artanis", a saying in their language[[/note]], something reserved for the greatest heroes of their race - and Artanis is the only living Protoss to be honored this way. |
| 338 | * Many characters of the ''Franchise/StarWars'' video games have reputations. |
| 339 | ** ''VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic'': Malik, Bastila, the PC. Revan at first seems to be the regular dead sort of legend... [[spoiler:and then you find out ''you'' are Revan]]. |
| 340 | ** ''VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublicIITheSithLords'': The Exile, hero of the Mandalorian Wars. |
| 341 | ** In the MMO SpiritualSequel, ''VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic'', the player character for most classes can become this. As you progress through the game, more and more {{NPC}}s express awe at meeting you. This is particularly noticeable with the Republic Trooper, who for most of the game is the commanding officer of an already-legendary Spacial Forces squad. |
| 342 | * ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros'': Mario in any of the RPG spin-offs will always be marveled at by most of the population due to his previous achievements (defeating Bowser, saving the princess, can jump really high, etc.) |
| 343 | %%* ''Franchise/TheWitcher'': Geralt of Rivia, the legendary witcher. |
| 344 | [[/folder]] |
| 345 | |
| 346 | [[folder:Web Animation]] |
| 347 | * The titular [[UnlikelyHero Reds and Blues]] become this, after they finally put an end to [[spoiler: Project Freelancer and The Director]] in season ten of ''WebAnimation/RedVsBlue''. |
| 348 | [[/folder]] |
| 349 | |
| 350 | [[folder:Webcomics]] |
| 351 | * ''Webcomic/FurryFightChronicles'': Chapter 7 introduces Donkizari, who is treated and referred as a living legend for being the undefeated Continental Champion of Concatta. For reference, she had the title since Cookie was a little girl. |
| 352 | * ''Webcomic/GirlGenius'': |
| 353 | ** [[GentlemanAdventurer Othar Trygvassen]], '''GENTLEMAN ADVENTURER''' is well known. The commonfolk think he's great but he runs afoul of other heroes, ''especially'' our heroes. |
| 354 | ** Baron Klaus Wulfenbach also has a reputation, somewhat more negative. |
| 355 | ** Agatha Heterodyne, Gilgamesh Wulfenbach, and Tarvek Sturmvoraus are all rapidly earning reputations. By the time Agatha get to Paris, two and a half years after she first becomes famous, there is a [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20150529#.Vu8OHOKLTIU Heterodyne hat]], an [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20150601#.Vu8OMeKLTIU opera]] based on her and Gil's romance, ''[[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20150603#.Vu8OcOKLTIU "Naughty Agatha Steam Pantalettes - in seven scandalous colours!"]]'', and [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20150603#.Vu8OcOKLTIU multiple volumes]] of [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20151026#.Vu8PVeKLTIU multiple series]] of romance novels/erotica about her - of the two series mentioned, one is on Volume 12 and the other on Volume 14. |
| 356 | ** The Heterodyne Boys were [[WhiteSheep beloved]], in no small part because their family was ''[[TheFamilyThatSlaysTogether not]]''. |
| 357 | ** As "[[RedBaron Ol' Man Death]]" himself said, explaining the excess of attention he [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20100524 still receives]] from [[SuperSoldier Jägerkin]] -- "This old hat has become the stuff of ''legend''." |
| 358 | * ''Webcomic/{{Outsider}}'': |
| 359 | ** Commander Stillstorm is a veteran of the majority of the Lori-Umiak war and one of the few captains to have survived twenty-five years of continuous front-line fighting. As a result, she's become a living legend among the Loroi forces, and is greatly admired by her subordinates. |
| 360 | ** Captain Carl Hamilton played an instrumental part in establishing humanity's space exploration program, and consequently is greatly admired among the naval and exploratory corps -- even being in the same room as him is considered a privilege. |
| 361 | * ''Webcomic/TheShufflers:'' Hiddenite comes from a tribe of mages called the Harvesters who were ShroudedInMyth and dismissed as fairy tales. He has the unique ability of having his own world in his cloth. When he confirms he's a descendant, Märchen outright calls him a walking legend. |
| 362 | * ''Webcomic/SluggyFreelance:'' Torg earned a reputation in the Dimension of Lame during "That Which Redeems". |
| 363 | * ''Webcomic/Sorcery101'': The rogue vampire Seth cultivates this kind of reputation, including stories that he EscapedFromHell and became the only known DaywalkingVampire out of personal awesomeness. [[spoiler:A lot of it is a smokescreen to throw off the many people who want him dead: he spreads rumours about himself, stole the name and reputation of a much older vampire, and owes his sun immunity to a protective amulet.]] |
| 364 | [[/folder]] |
| 365 | |
| 366 | [[folder:Web Original]] |
| 367 | * ''WebVideo/DoctorHorriblesSingAlongBlog:'' Country Mourns Whatshername. Both the Doctor and Captain Hammer are widely known, with squeeing fans. Likewise the Evil League of Evil, and maybe other heroes. |
| 368 | * Spectre from ''Franchise/{{Noob}}'' is explicitly stated to have reached that status with his first avatar. |
| 369 | [[/folder]] |
| 370 | |
| 371 | [[folder:Western Animation]] |
| 372 | * ''WesternAnimation/AaahhRealMonsters'': All the monsters know who Ickis' Dad is, even before Slickis visits the class. They even have biographies of him in the school library, and he's won numerous awards. Apparently, he's the source of [[NoodleIncident at least one urban legend about the Bermuda Triangle]], [[TheUnreveal though Ickis cuts his father off before Slickis can tell that story again.]] |
| 373 | * In ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'', Avatar Aang became a living legend after defeating Firelor...uh...[[InsistentTerminology Phoenix King]] Ozai. |
| 374 | * In ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra'', Many characters are living legends. |
| 375 | ** Much of the cast (that is still alive) from the original series ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'' are living legends, most notably Zuko, who became famous for his help in founding the United Republics, and Toph, who became famous for inventing metalbending and had many statues constructed in her honor. Bolin, one of the main characters, will usually also react as if he is standing in front of a legend. A less notable example is Katara, who despite being the wife of Avatar Aang, seemingly didn't get the same fame as the rest of the original cast; however in "The Spirit of Competition" Korra mentions Katara while healing Bolin, suggesting that most people at least know who she is. |
| 376 | ** The entire Beifong family can be considered living legends to a degree, notably Suyin, who founded the city of Zao Fu, and Lin, who is the chief of police in Republic City. |
| 377 | ** Korra herself also becomes a living legend, as the name of the series suggests. By season 4 she is widely adored by the public to the point of a park being renamed in her honor and a statue of her posing also being constructed. Of course she is also a living legend by default because she is the Avatar. |
| 378 | * By the sequel ''WesternAnimation/Ben10AlienForce'', [[WesternAnimation/{{Ben 10}} Ben Tennyson]] has achieved this status amongst aliens for saving the universe multiple times. And he continues doing more as the story goes on. It reaches a point where, in ''[[WesternAnimation/Ben10UltimateAlien Ultimate Alien]]'', he actually convinces an overwhelming force of Forever Knights to stop a murdering spree by delivering to their leader a [[BadassBoast speech]] that sums it all up: |
| 379 | -->"Maybe you forgotten something: I'm Ben Tennyson, wielder of the most powerful weapon in the universe. I stopped the [[ScaryDogmaticAliens Highbreed]] [[AlienInvasion invasion]], I defeated [[EvilOverlord Vilgax]] in hand-to-hand combat and I've beaten the [[KnightTemplar Forever Knights]] more times that I can count. Here's what's going to happen: you're going to release these prisoners, you're going to crawl back to whatever hole you came from and you're going to stop hunting down aliens because if you don't, I promise, you'll regret it for the rest of your ''very'' short lives." |
| 380 | * ''WesternAnimation/TheBotsMaster'': In episode "[=ZZ=] Come Home", Ziv Zulander's sister used the expression "living legend" to describe him. |
| 381 | * WesternAnimation/DannyPhantom became one among ghosts after defeating [[EvilOverlord Pariah Dark]]. |
| 382 | * ''WesternAnimation/DuckTales2017'': Surprisingly, an entire family has this as a bag by season 2. Going off the canon of the page image, Scrooge Mcduck became legendary for his adventures through the old west, while also becoming The Richest Duck in the World, and his returning with a treasure for the city is generally met with approval on his first return to the public eye. His nephew and Niece Donald and Della Duck also became known in the world as bold and daring adventurers too, though their long absences from the spotlight did diminish this some. But, through the course of the series, not only does Scrooge reassert his legendary status, but begins giving credibility to his grand nephews and their friend so that even ordinary citizens recognize them as strong adventurers in their own rights. |
| 383 | * WesternAnimation/KimPossible. Even though she doesn't get that much glory, everyone knows who she is, and most people appreciate what she does. |
| 384 | * In ''WesternAnimation/TheLifeAndTimesOfJuniperLee'': Monroe mentions in "Monster Con" that Jasmine is considered the most accomplished Te Xuan Ze and she gets mobbed by fans to the point that she herself says (without any trace of ego) she has to leave so the monsters can get to know June better; Jasmine herself says at the end of the episode that June will one day exceed her. |
| 385 | * In the ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'' episode ''[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS4E24EquestriaGames Equestria Games]]'', Spike is seen as this by the crystal ponies for the part he played in [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS3E2TheCrystalEmpirePart2 saving the Crystal Empire]]. |
| 386 | * In ''WesternAnimation/RandyCunninghamNinthGradeNinja'': The Ninja has protected Norrisville for years, making Randy fit the trope by being the new Ninja. |
| 387 | * ''WesternAnimation/StarWarsTheCloneWars'': Count Dooku once gathered all the greatest {{Bounty Hunter}}s together and introduced them with their name, any titles they had, some claim to fame, etc. When he came to [[TheAce Cad Bane]], he simply says "Cad Bane, who needs no introduction." |
| 388 | * Tron is one to the programs of the Grid in ''WesternAnimation/TronUprising'', even though many think he's probably dead. |
| 389 | * ''WesternAnimation/ZakStorm'': Alan Gamble is considered to be a living legend by the people of Marituga. There is even a song about him. |
| 390 | [[/folder]] |
| 391 | |
| 392 | [[folder:Real Life]] |
| 393 | * While many try to exemplify this trope, Creator/SalvadorDali is one of the few artists to use it. [[DeadArtistsAreBetter Many artists become popular only after their death]], but Dalí lived to see his work appreciated extensively and even a museum erected in his honour. Even outside of the art world, he was a well-known personality and socialite in his time, sure to be recognized wherever he went (although his iconic appearance probably helped with that). |
| 394 | * Gekiga pioneer Yoshihiro Tatsumi covered this in his autobiography "A Drifting Life": Creator/OsamuTezuka was considered a god-like genius by his peers even before he hit age 30 or became a national icon. Nowadays Tezuka is considered the Father of Manga and is credited with creating, codifying, and laying the foundations for much, if not most, of modern Japanese comics and animation. His eventual death almost overshadowed the death of Emperor Hirohito, who died the month before him. He is strongly associated in Japanese history with the Showa period and, as the 90s were coined by recession, his death is coincident with the EndOfAnEra. |
| 395 | * Most of the marshals who survived UsefulNotes/TheNapoleonicWars became this in France, especially under the July Monarchy, as Louis-Philippe wanted to appropriate the Napoleonic legacy. They were known as ''illustres épées'', and some of them (Soult, Mortier and Gérard) became Prime Ministers and were very popular among the general public, although they had trouble asserting their authority in governments mostly made up of professional orators. |
| 396 | * To the women's gymnastics fans of the world -- and its athletes -- Oksana Alexandrovna Chusovitina is this. While it is these days not unusual for an athlete to compete for around a decade, or even longer -- see Beth Tweddle, Catalina Ponor, etc. for proof -- ''nobody'' has been around as long as "Mama Chuso". Her first international elite competition was in ''1989''. She has since gone to eight (read that again: ''eight'') Olympic Games, the first in 1992. And her performance hasn't gone downhill whatsoever[[note]]She has fallen in the rankings somewhat simply due to the constant increase in difficulty, but she is still doing the same skills she did in the '90s, almost as well as she did them then[[/note]]; she won silver on the vault at the 2011 world championships and made the Olympic vault finals in both London and Rio. At 37 and ''41''. In a sport where women's careers have roughly the lifespan of a gnat and tend to be over by the time the gymnast hits her mid-20s, she is not just extraordinary but in fact in violation of all known laws of physics. To put this in perspective, when she made her international debut, most of her current competition had not yet been ''born''.[[note]]In Rio, the rest of the gold-medal winning Team USA called their captain Aly Raisman "Grandma Aly". Aly, all of ''22'' at the time, was born two years ''after'' Chuso's Olympic debut.[[/note]] She can literally say that she's been doing this since her opponents were in diapers. |
| 397 | ** Chusovitina has competed under ''four'' flags in her elite career: the USSR, the Unified Team (made up of Russia and certain post-Soviet countries that did not have time to form Olympic Committees before the 1992 games), her native Uzbekistan and for a time Germany (where her family moved in order to better get treatment for her son, who had leukemia). |
| 398 | * Davy Crockett. The guy was practically mythical ''before'' he became a politician and fought at the battle of the Alamo. |
| 399 | ** Also at the Alamo was Jim Bowie, who had famously survived the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandbar_Fight Sandbar Fight]] years earlier while using a custom-made knife that ended up named after him. [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowie_knife That knife]] was as famous as he was. |
| 400 | * While the above-mentioned Chusovitina is one of the biggest examples since her longevity is so unlike most gymnasts, every sport often sees its oldest and most distinguished players and coaches acquire this reputation. |
| 401 | * While teaching at Berkeley in the 1960s, folklorist Richard Dorson collected dozens of legends about a nebulous acid dealer called "Owsley". These stories had Owsley popping up in exceedingly unusual places to dispense LSD, perhaps most audaciously a county jail where, dressed as a priest, he handed off an entire Bible of blotter acid to the beleaguered "heads" (drug users) therein. Further research verified that all these stories were in fact based on the exploits of Owsley Stanley, an occasional sound technician for Music/TheGratefulDead and the grandson of a Kentucky senator. |
| 402 | * Men's singles figure skating had Yuzuru Hanyu. Wikipedia has [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_career_achievements_by_Yuzuru_Hanyu a staggering list of his professional achievements.]] Podiums and national teams have changed since his senior debut in 2010, but Hanyu remains a constant face as of 2021, still on top of his form despite various (repeated) injuries (that have [[CareerEndingInjury ended others' careers]]) and severe asthma. His second consecutive Olympic medal (2018 Pyeongchang) was won with his ''Seimei'' routine on a reinjured ankle and painkillers. He is also a survivor of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. His aim at this time of writing is to land the quadruple axel, a difficult jump that might be BeyondTheImpossible. His competitors have spoken about the "psychological warfare" of skating right after Hanyu, because he is guaranteed to turn in such a good performance that the next skater would have a tough act to follow, not to mention the rain of Franchise/WinnieThePooh bears that typically ensues. There have been [[https://twitter.com/axelsandwich/status/1177210512691494912 multiple direct tributes]] by younger athletes even before he retired (or rather, transitioned from amateur to professional skating, as he doesn't like the word "retire"). He's committed to continuing his skating career and achieving greater heights in his art/sport as a professional, unbound by competition rules.[[note]]Hanyu won't be the first to land the quad axel. He was beaten to it by 17-year-old American Ilia Malinin, who did it on September 14, 2022 at the lower-level U.S. Classic in Lake Placid, New York.[[/note]] |
| 403 | * Music/PaulMcCartney. [[Music/TheBeatles Beatle]], [[Music/{{Wings}} Wing]], soloist, activist, author, [[Recap/TheSimpsonsS7E5LisaTheVegetarian Simpsons character]]. When he appeared on ''Series/TheLateShowWithStephenColbert'', he was introduced to the audience in the only way possible: |
| 404 | -->'''Stephen:''' Ladies and gentlemen, you know my first guest tonight '''''because he's Paul [=McCartney=]'''''. |
| 405 | * In the ''VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends'' [[UsefulNotes/ProfessionalGaming esports scene]], one name towers above all others—Korean icon of the midlane Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, [[RedBaron "the Unkillable Demon King"]]. First appearing practically out of nowhere like a comet in 2013's Season 3, he slaughtered all who opposed him to lead the team to the world championship, kicking off the era of Korean dominance, and a decade later is not only still a potent presence in a sport where careers rarely last more than 5-6 years but is still the face of the same team he debuted on[[note]]give or take a rebrand from SK Telecom to T1[[/note]]. The first 3x World Championship winner[[note]]the only other player able to claim this is his own teammate Bengi, known as "the Right Hand of God" for his bond with Faker[[/note]], 2x Mid-Season Invitational winner, ''10x'' LCK Champion, with more pro-league wins than any other player in the LCK (the first to 500 wins, leading the next-closest competitor by well over 100). No player has ever [[TheDreaded inspired more dread]] across Summoner's Rift than Faker, and even if you can't definitively say that he's still the best player in the world, it's generally accepted that he is and will forever be the greatest player ''[=LoL=]'' has ever seen (the vice-president of Riot once described him as the UsefulNotes/MichaelJordan of ''[=LoL=]'' at a press conference). And when he won a record-solidifying 4th World Championship win in 2023[[note]]stepping ahead of his now long-retired teammate Bengi[[/note]], 10 years after the start of his career, he reaffirmed the fact that it's almost impossible for any player to ''ever'' be able to match him. |
| 406 | ** His 2023 World Championship also solidify his status as TheDreaded for the LPL - the top-level professional league for League of Legends in China - for defeating ALL FOUR of the LPL representatives, including JDG, widely considered to the #1 contender for the cup AND on a Golden Road, having already won the LPL Spring, MSI and LPL Summer earlier of the same year. |
| 407 | --->'''Faker:''' [[BadassBoast All roads lead to me.]] |
| 408 | * Union Pacific 844, a 4-8-4 steam locomotive, is actually nicknamed "the Living Legend". Spared from the scrapper's torch in 1960 as the last steam engine built for the UP line, UP 844 retains the unique distinction of being the only steam engine never retired from a Class I US railroad. Since the start of the Heritage Program, 844 has traveled across the entire UP system from California to Tennessee, handled numerous different excursion trains ranging from round-trip locals to World's Fairs, has teamed up with or met other steam stars like SP 4449, Frisco 1522, and UP's own "Big Boy" 4014, and is planned to be kept running until it turns ''100''. To the steam community, this nickname is well earned, as few other preservation-era locomotives could boast to such an impressive career. |
| 409 | * Vauban was a famous French civil engineer under UsefulNotes/LouisXIV who was so competent at both besieging places and building forts there were reports of cities outright surrendering after they learned they were to be besieged by Vauban, while the new owners of a fortress spread word that it had been built by the master himself to deter and frighten any would-be besieger. |
| 410 | [[/folder]] |
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