The Manifestations of Legendin Contemporary Arab Literary Text The Story of 'The Water Trills' by Sanaa Shaalan (A Case Study)

Abstract

Legends hold a fundamental position in literary studies, encompassing two distinct yet intertwined human activities. A legend, with its rhetorical dimension, converges, while literature, with its imaginative positivity, diverges. Built upon this premise, numerous legends have seized the attention of literary scholars. A legend serves as raw material, harnessed by writers for its reservoir of vital energies and vibrant sign ificance that elevate literature to enriched levels of novelty and dynamism. Emerging from the core of legends, which essentially encapsulate a humane perience interwoven with imagination and creativity, the legendary presence has asserted itself across various literary genres, including poetry, theatre, novels, and short stories. Significantly, among these genres, short stories stand as a captivating conduit for the charm of legends.

Considering that legends inherently intrigue researchers for their intrinsic connection to human experiences, characterised by their all-encompassing and human-centred nature, a series of inquiries naturally arise. These inquiries hold significant importance:

• To what extent does the presence of a legend influence the composition of literary texts?
• What motivations underlie the use of legends? What multifaceted considerations do authors take into account when incorporating them?

To illustrate this investigation, we have chosen a contemporary short story authored by Sanaa Shaalan from Jordan, titled "The Water Trills." This narrative serves as an exemplary case study within a legendary critical framework, while adhering to the principles of the legendary approach.