etymology

legend :O. Fr. legende (12c), from M.L. legenda, "legend, story" lit. "things to be read" on certain days in church, etc., L. legere "to read, gather, select.  Originally used of saints' lives, extended sense of nonhistoric or mythical story, first recorded in 1613.  Meaning "writing or inscription" (on coin or medal) is from 1611, on a map, illustration, etc. is from 1903.