Artic legend man talks to animals
There are arctic legends that speak of a time when man could understand and speak with whales. In fact, many legends worldwide speak of a time when people and animals understood each other.
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Legend Facts
Legend facts and facts about legends, from the Random Facts shelf.
45 facts on this shelf
Urban legend fact about ballpoint pens
The average person loses two ballpoint pens a week
How did pizza Margherita get its name?
According to popular legend, pizza Margherita was named for Queen Margherita of Italy after a Naples pizza maker served it to her in 1889. Its toppings match the colors of the Italian flag.
Why is the Bulldog associated with the US Marine Corps?
The Bulldog is the unofficial mascot of the US Marine Corps, connected to the legend that German soldiers called Marines "Devil Dogs" during WWI. A Bulldog named Chesty serves as the mascot at Marine Barracks Washington.
Are Maine Coons part raccoon?
A popular legend claims Maine Coons came from cats mating with raccoons, which explains the name and bushy tails, but that is biologically impossible. The Maine Coon is 100% cat.
Why did old Siamese cats often have crossed eyes and kinked tails?
Many early Siamese cats had crossed eyes and kinked tails, traits linked to their genetics. Breeders worked to remove them over time, though legends claimed they came from guarding temple treasures.
What role does a wolf play in the legend of Rome?
According to Roman legend, the twins Romulus and Remus were nursed by a she-wolf, and Romulus went on to found the city of Rome.
Why are there no snakes in Ireland?
Legend says Saint Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland, but scientists say snakes never got there after the last Ice Age because the island was cut off by the sea.
How did the Margherita pizza get its name?
According to popular legend, the Margherita pizza was named after Queen Margherita of Italy, who visited Naples in 1889. Its tomato, mozzarella, and basil were said to represent the red, white, and green of the Italian flag.
What is the legend behind Chinese dumplings?
Legend says Chinese dumplings, or jiaozi, were created by the physician Zhang Zhongjing to treat villagers' frostbitten ears.
What is the legend behind tortellini?
Italian legend says tortellini were shaped after the belly button of the goddess Venus.
Who is the only player to win three World Cups?
Brazilian legend Pelé is the only player to win three men's World Cups, in 1958, 1962, and 1970.
Who was Dhyan Chand?
Indian field hockey legend Dhyan Chand is so celebrated that India's National Sports Day is held on his birthday, August 29.
How did rugby get its name?
Rugby gets its name from Rugby School in England. According to legend, student William Webb Ellis picked up the ball and ran with it in 1823, and the Rugby World Cup trophy is named after him.
Why are ravens kept at the Tower of London?
At least six ravens are kept at the Tower of London because of a legend that the kingdom will fall if they ever leave.
When was Rome founded?
According to legend, Rome was founded on April 21, 753 BC, by Romulus, and the city still celebrates its birthday on that date.
How many rooms does the Forbidden City have?
Legend says Beijing's Forbidden City has 9,999 rooms, but surveys count about 8,700.
Were the architects of St. Basil's Cathedral blinded?
A legend says Ivan the Terrible blinded the architects of St. Basil's Cathedral so they could never build anything as beautiful, but historians consider it a myth.
Did Saint Francis preach to birds?
A famous story says Saint Francis of Assisi preached a sermon to birds.
Why is the shamrock linked to Saint Patrick?
Legend says Saint Patrick used the three-leaf shamrock to explain the Christian Trinity.
Why do people hang Christmas stockings?
A legend says Saint Nicholas threw gold through a window to pay for three poor sisters' dowries, and the gold landed in stockings drying by the fire.
Why do pawnbrokers use three gold balls?
The three gold balls on pawnshop signs are linked to the bags of gold in the Saint Nicholas legend.
What is the legend of Saint Valentine and marriage?
A legend says Saint Valentine secretly married couples against the orders of Roman Emperor Claudius II.
Where does "from your Valentine" come from?
A legend says Saint Valentine signed a letter "from your Valentine."
Did Saint Anthony preach to fish?
A legend says Saint Anthony of Padua preached to fish.
Did Saint George slay a dragon?
Saint George is famous for slaying a dragon, but the story is a legend.
What is the crossroads legend?
A legend says bluesman Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in exchange for his guitar skills.
What is the best-selling reggae album?
Bob Marley and the Wailers' "Legend" is the best-selling reggae album of all time.
Which is the only work Michelangelo signed?
Michelangelo's "Pietà" is the only work he signed. According to legend, he carved his name after hearing visitors credit it to another artist.
What was Picasso's first word?
According to legend, Pablo Picasso's first word was "piz," short for the Spanish word for pencil.
Did giant squid inspire the Kraken?
The giant squid may have inspired the legend of the Kraken.
Were narwhal tusks sold as unicorn horns?
In medieval times, narwhal tusks were sold as unicorn horns.
Did sailors think manatees were mermaids?
Christopher Columbus reported seeing "mermaids" in 1493 that were probably manatees.
Why is Patanjali sometimes shown as half serpent?
According to legend, Patanjali was an incarnation of the cosmic serpent Adishesha, so he's often shown with a human upper body and a serpent's tail.
Is Gorakhnath believed to be immortal?
Some legends say Gorakhnath is immortal.
Did Napoleon play solitaire?
According to legend, Napoleon played solitaire while in exile.
Do the kings in a deck represent real kings?
A popular legend says the four kings represent David, Alexander the Great, Charlemagne, and Julius Caesar.
Was Tesla born during a lightning storm?
A popular legend says Nikola Tesla was born during a lightning storm.
What is the Eureka story?
According to legend, Archimedes shouted "Eureka!" when he realized in the bathtub how to test whether a king's crown was pure gold.
Where does the marathon come from?
The marathon is inspired by the legend of Pheidippides, a Greek messenger who ran from Marathon to Athens.
Who discovered tea?
Chinese legend says Emperor Shennong discovered tea when leaves blew into his boiling water.
Why is there an eagle on Mexico's flag?
Mexico's flag shows an eagle on a cactus eating a snake, from the legend of how the Aztecs chose where to build their capital.
Is there a legend about Multnomah Falls?
A Native American legend tells of a chief's daughter connected to the creation of Multnomah Falls.
What is the Bridge of the Gods?
The Bridge of the Gods over the Columbia River is named after a Native American legend and is the lowest point on the Pacific Crest Trail.
What are the Shanghai tunnels?
Legends say Portland's underground "Shanghai tunnels" were used to kidnap sailors, though historians debate how true the stories are.