If, when we compare two versions of a story, the second…
“If, when we compare two versions of a story, the second known to be a retelling of the first, and find that the second has more of a miraculous element, we may reasonably conclude we have legendary (or midrashic or whatever) embellishment. The tale has grown in the telling. This sort of comparison is common in extrabiblical research and no one holds that it cannot properly indicate legend formation there.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author notes that when a retelling adds more miraculous elements, it suggests legendary embellishment, indicating how stories evolve over time.
In simple terms: More miracles in a retelling hint at legend formation.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how narratives change with retellings.
Themes
legend
myth
storytelling
history
interpretation
Mood
analytical
curious
critical
Type
scholarly
explanatory
When to use this quote
- biblical studies
- comparative literature
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
legendary formation
textual criticism
cultural transmission
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a story “legendary” rather than “historical”?
- How do we value myth versus fact?
A Different Perspective
It may discount the spiritual value of miraculous elements.