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Abstract

This article reviews and explores the primary features of the Majorcan legendry and compares them with other similar tales found throughout the Mediterranean region. The legends are grouped into three major blocks: those relating to the natural world (essentially tales of an aetiological nature, explaining the origins and morphology of animals, plants, topographical features, bodies of water, etc.); those relating to the supernatural world (generally stories that recount the relationships and interaction between humans and magical beings, such as fairies, elves, giants, dragons, demons and spirits, among others); and legends relating to the world of human history, which frequently mythify a person or event of varying importance (epic heroes, saints, ethnic battles, wars, cases of sorcery, etc). The conclusions underscore the magnitude, variety and complexity of the Majorcan legendry and the need for an adequate review, classification, study and edition of this corpus, which may shed light on literary, historical and sociological aspects of our culture.