Origins
Legends are formed when members of a group share similar beliefs in the recited story (Sims and Stephens 2005, 56). These beliefs are learned verbally through narratives such as myths or legends. Many times, these legends express the fears and anxieties of the group who believe it or they are expressions of their world views (Sims and Stephens 2005, 57).
Oral Traditions
Oral traditions such as legend are immersed in the societies that hold them to be relevant (Gross 2001, 278). The legends are important because they help shape the ideology and identity of the community (Gross 2001, 278). This is important in continuing the values and ideology of the community.
La Llorona
The legend of La Llorona was important to different groups for different reasons. As the legend traveled there were changes in the details of the story but the general parts of the story were the same. Many of the details that changed were reflective of the location, the ideology, the social changes of the communities who adopted the legend.
