Saga: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used for long stories that involve heroic deeds, often with historical or legendary significance. Can be related to Norse and Icelandic myths.

• The saga of the warrior king has been told for generations.
• She wrote a saga about her family’s journey through difficult times.

Used to describe grand and lengthy tales, especially those involving heroes and significant historical or mythical events. It often conveys a sense of grandeur and scale.

• The novel is an epic saga of love and war.
• They watched an epic movie about ancient battles and legendary heroes.

Refers to a traditional story sometimes regarded as historical but not authenticated. Often involves famous or mythical figures and events.

• According to legend, the castle is haunted by a ghost.
• The legend of King Arthur has inspired many books and movies.

A general term for a story, especially one that might be imaginative or anecdotal. Often shorter and less grand than an epic or saga.

• She told a charming tale about a mischievous fairy.
• The children enjoyed listening to a bedtime tale.

Used for any account of connected events, real or imaginary. This can be written or spoken and does not specifically imply grandeur or heroism.

• The book provides a detailed narrative of her travels.
• He gave a compelling narrative of the events that took place.

Saga is often used to describe a long and adventurous story or a series of events, particularly involving a family's history or a heroic achievement.

• The old fisherman shared a saga about his adventures on the sea.
• The family's saga spanned three generations and included many triumphs and tragedies.

Family history is commonly used to detail factual information about a family's past, including genealogical data, significant events, and personal stories.

• I spent years researching our family history and discovered we are descendants of a famous explorer.
• She was proud to present her family's history through a detailed family tree.

An ancestral tale is typically used to recount stories and legends passed down from previous generations, often highlighting key figures and events in a family's history.

• Grandmother spent the evening sharing an ancestral tale about our great-grandfather.
• Their ancestral tales are filled with myths and folklore from their native land.

Lineage narrative is a formal term often used in academic or genealogical contexts to describe the documented history of a family's lineage, including important ancestors and their contributions.

• The historian presented a comprehensive lineage narrative of the royal family.
• Their lineage narrative showed a connection to ancient nobility.