Dictionary

legendarium en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /lɛd͡ʒ.(ə)nˈdɛəɹ.i.əm/ (Received-Pronunciation)
• /lɛd͡ʒ.ənˈdɛɹ.i.əm/ (General-American)

Etymology

Neuter form of Medieval Latin legendarius, from Latin legendus.

Meanings

1. A literary collection of legends, particularly those detailing the life of a saint.
   • The same society [the Swedish Old-text Society] has begun a continuation of the Old-Swedish Legendarium (in 2 volumes), edited for the society by Professor Stephens. 1866 February, George Stephens, “Scandinavian Book-Lore”, in Sylvanus Urban [pseudonym; Edward Cave], editor, The Gentleman's Magazine and Historical Review, volume I (new series; volume CCXX since the commencement), London: Bradbury, Evans, & Co., 11, Bouverie Street, page 183:
2. (in particular) The collected high fantasy writings of J. R. R. Tolkien relating to the fictional realm of Middle-earth and the universe in which it is set.
   • “In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.” So began the legendarium that dominated a genre, changed Western literature and the field of linguistics, created a tapestry of characters and mythology that endured four generations, built an anti-war ethos that endured a World War and a Cold War, and spawned a multibillion-dollar media franchise. 2017 September 22, Vann R. Newkirk II, “Why 'The Hobbit' Isn't Outdated in the Age of 'Game of Thrones'”, in The Atlantic:

Forms

Synonyms

legendary