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Famous Legends From Portugal: With some Portuguese Legends presented in English for the first time
Enjoy these famous legends from Portugal, some presented in English for the very first time!This book contains 52 notable Portuguese legends, ones which were constantly heard and retold by natives from Portugal across the centuries. Whether you're interested in legends from Portugal, local culture or simply looking for a collection of legends you never read before, this book presents you with many notable stories covering a few different
Local legends which predate the foundation of Portugal in the XII century (such as Ulysses founding the city of Lisbon; Guesto Ansures; ...)Legends from the time of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal (the famous "Miracle of Ourique"; the conquest of the city of Évora; ...)Medieval legends regarding the foundation of a few local cities and villages (such as Alenquer and Moura, ...)Legends about Portuguese kings (Martim de Freitas' faithfulness; the Magpies of Sintra; the return of king Sebastião; ...)Legends connected to the notable Battle of Aljubarrota (the Twelve of England; the Female Baker; ...)Legends from the time of the Explorers and Portuguese Empire (Machim's; the mysterious statue of the island of Corvo; the giant Adamastor; ...)Fantastic and religious legends (the Goat-footed ladies; Fuas Roupinho; the Enchanted Moors; the Olharapos; ...)And even some legends about famous places and notable people from Portugal (the Rooster of Barcelos; the love story of Inês de Castro; the Labours of Saint Engratia; the recent story of Teresa Fidalgo; ...)Many of these legends were never made available in English before, and so they are compiled and retold here, along with brief explanatory notes for those who don't speak Portuguese but would like to learn more about these myths, legends and short stories from the country of Camões, Pessoa, Amália and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Local legends which predate the foundation of Portugal in the XII century (such as Ulysses founding the city of Lisbon; Guesto Ansures; ...)Legends from the time of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal (the famous "Miracle of Ourique"; the conquest of the city of Évora; ...)Medieval legends regarding the foundation of a few local cities and villages (such as Alenquer and Moura, ...)Legends about Portuguese kings (Martim de Freitas' faithfulness; the Magpies of Sintra; the return of king Sebastião; ...)Legends connected to the notable Battle of Aljubarrota (the Twelve of England; the Female Baker; ...)Legends from the time of the Explorers and Portuguese Empire (Machim's; the mysterious statue of the island of Corvo; the giant Adamastor; ...)Fantastic and religious legends (the Goat-footed ladies; Fuas Roupinho; the Enchanted Moors; the Olharapos; ...)And even some legends about famous places and notable people from Portugal (the Rooster of Barcelos; the love story of Inês de Castro; the Labours of Saint Engratia; the recent story of Teresa Fidalgo; ...)Many of these legends were never made available in English before, and so they are compiled and retold here, along with brief explanatory notes for those who don't speak Portuguese but would like to learn more about these myths, legends and short stories from the country of Camões, Pessoa, Amália and Cristiano Ronaldo.
70 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 4, 2025
Review of both Mythological Beings of Portugal and Famous Legends of Portugal
Mythological Beings of Portugal
When I came across this book, I was very excited. As the author mentioned, Portugal’s myths and legends are hard to find, especially in English. However, I have to admit I was somewhat let down by this book. Most ‘mythological’ beings only have 2–3 sentences describing them, and while I understand that the information is scarce, I expected more depth. Perhaps naming the book 50+ Mythological Beings would have set a more accurate expectation for this 39-page book.
Additionally, it feels like the book is written very factually and somewhat detached. I feel like adding a little bit of magical and dreamlike storytelling would have been so much more captivating, in contrast to the straightforward descriptions. While I do applaud the author for doing the research, keeping it factual, and providing this book, a little more ‘magic’ in the storytelling would’ve truly captivated me.
Famous Legends of Portugal
Reading this book after Mythological Beings, my expectations were lower, and the book positively surprised me. I found much more of the captivating storytelling I was looking for, as the book literally takes you through different time periods to explain the legends. It really feels like one big story, from Portugal’s beginnings to its recent history. My favorite parts were the references to the coats of arms, seeing the direct effect of the legends/stories that stand to this day. It was very fascinating and really gives more of a peek into Portugal’s history—literally, Portugal’s legends.
Conclusion
Famous Legends is definitely the better pick of the two, and it makes me wonder if Mythological Beings was an attempt to recreate the success of Famous Legends. Many times, the author claims that there isn’t enough information about the myths. I think it would have been a valuable investment to wait longer, gather more information, and publish a (longer) version with more depth. “There isn’t enough information, but I’m writing the book anyway” isn’t the right approach, in my opinion.
Famous Legends is definitely a good read, but I can’t help but wonder if there are more extensive books about the coats of arms of Portugal and its history that might be ‘better.’ Publishing 77+ books is a very high number for an author, and I can’t help but assume some subjects deserved more attention and time—in other words, more research.
Mythological Beings of Portugal
When I came across this book, I was very excited. As the author mentioned, Portugal’s myths and legends are hard to find, especially in English. However, I have to admit I was somewhat let down by this book. Most ‘mythological’ beings only have 2–3 sentences describing them, and while I understand that the information is scarce, I expected more depth. Perhaps naming the book 50+ Mythological Beings would have set a more accurate expectation for this 39-page book.
Additionally, it feels like the book is written very factually and somewhat detached. I feel like adding a little bit of magical and dreamlike storytelling would have been so much more captivating, in contrast to the straightforward descriptions. While I do applaud the author for doing the research, keeping it factual, and providing this book, a little more ‘magic’ in the storytelling would’ve truly captivated me.
Famous Legends of Portugal
Reading this book after Mythological Beings, my expectations were lower, and the book positively surprised me. I found much more of the captivating storytelling I was looking for, as the book literally takes you through different time periods to explain the legends. It really feels like one big story, from Portugal’s beginnings to its recent history. My favorite parts were the references to the coats of arms, seeing the direct effect of the legends/stories that stand to this day. It was very fascinating and really gives more of a peek into Portugal’s history—literally, Portugal’s legends.
Conclusion
Famous Legends is definitely the better pick of the two, and it makes me wonder if Mythological Beings was an attempt to recreate the success of Famous Legends. Many times, the author claims that there isn’t enough information about the myths. I think it would have been a valuable investment to wait longer, gather more information, and publish a (longer) version with more depth. “There isn’t enough information, but I’m writing the book anyway” isn’t the right approach, in my opinion.
Famous Legends is definitely a good read, but I can’t help but wonder if there are more extensive books about the coats of arms of Portugal and its history that might be ‘better.’ Publishing 77+ books is a very high number for an author, and I can’t help but assume some subjects deserved more attention and time—in other words, more research.
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December 4, 2025The book I actually read ,"The Anthology of Portuguese Legends" was not listed so I used this title instead. I picked up the book in September as part of the "free-with-admission" ticket to the Lello ("Harry Potter") Library in Porto, Portugal. Unfortunately, the book was a snoozer!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews