Bruno Pugh
When humans pass stories from generation to generation, history and mythology often mix into tales of legendary warriors, epic romances, and daring adventures. Then, it’s hard to tell which is true, false, or exaggerated. Read on to discover 20 fascinating historical and mythological figures whose lives gave rise to extraordinary legends.
Paris of Troy
Remember the figure from Troy who is said to have played a role in the Trojan War by eloping with Helen of Sparta? While folklore added details of divine intervention to his tales, evidence points to his existence. Hittite records suggest Paris and his father, King Priam, were historical figures who ruled Troy during the Late Bronze Age.
King Priam of Troy
Paris wasn’t the only famous Trojan who could’ve been real; his father, King Priam, is also a legendary figure from Homer’s Iliad. Hittite evidence, especially from the Manapa-Tarhunta letter from around 1295 BCE, suggests Priam was a rebellious lord, Piyaramadu, who seized control of Troy/Wilusa. The king lost his life to the Trojan.
King Midas
Meet the most famous ruler from Greek mythology who had the power to turn all he touched into gold. While the ‘golden touch’ may be a metaphor for his great wealth, he is believed to have ruled Phrygia in the late 8th century BCE. Real-life Midas left behind a massive tomb, Tumulus MM, filled with ancient treasures.
Jesus of Nazareth
Despite various accounts of miracles attributed to him, including raising the dead, curing leprosy, and his resurrection, historians generally agree that Jesus was a historical figure. In addition to Christian sources, independent references from the Roman historian Tacitus and the Jewish historian Josephus provide evidence of his existence. Furthermore, Jesus plays a minor role in Islam as well.
Imhotep
Imhotep was born in the 27th century BCE and served Pharaoh Djoser as an architect and healer. Ancient Egypt regarded Imhotep as a real-life genius and worshipped him as the god of medicine. Over a thousand years after his death, Egyptians still revere his legendary healing powers. He likely designed the iconic Step Pyramid.
Robin Hood
This outlaw is one of English folklore’s most popular and enduring characters. His “stealing from the rich to give to the poor” made everyone love him. English legal rolls reference an individual similarly thwarting the law, and historical records mention a Robin of York whose story aligns with the legend.
Gyges of Lydia
In Plato’s Republic, Gyges, a shepherd turned king, finds a ring granting invisibility, which he uses to take over the Lydian throne. While the magical ring is a myth, Gyges is real. He is believed to have ruled Lydia between 687 and 652 BCE, assassinating King Candaules (his former ruler), establishing the Mermnad dynasty, and strengthening Lydia’s borders.
Amazons
The fierce warrior women from Greek mythology were once thought to be legends. The stories about the martial skills and Trojan exploits of these descendants of Ares, the God of War, may sound like folklore. Modern archaeological evidence of female Sarmatian warrior graves suggests real-life women may have inspired these mythical figures.
Merlin
Merlin, the legendary wizard and warlock from King Arthur’s tales, was inspired by two real people—Myrddin Wyllt, a Welsh prophet who lived in the woods, and Ambrosius Aurelianus, a Romano-British leader. In 1136, 12th-century chronicler Geoffrey of Monmouth merged both characters in his Historia Regum Britanniae to create the famous legend of Merlin.
King Arthur
Don’t get your hopes up; there’s no evidence that King Arthur won a sword from either stone or lake or had Merlin and the Knights. But he was a legendary British hero who likely ruled from the Dark Ages and defended Britain against Anglo-Saxons. Historia Brittonum mentions him leading troops at the Battle of Badon.
Croesus of Lydia
You’ve probably heard the phrase “rich as Croesus.” Lydia’s legendary king was so rich someone had to make an idiom. He ruled during the 6th century BC, conquering many Greek towns and introducing gold coinage. Despite his riches, his empire fell to the Persian King Cyrus after misinterpreting a prophecy from the Oracle of Delphi.
Cincinnatus
Unlike many mythological figures who are often portrayed as self-serving, Cincinnatus is remembered for his humility and civic leadership. When Rome was in danger from the Aequi, he was called to serve as dictator. After swiftly defeating the enemy, Cincinnatus gave up power and returned to agriculture. He inspired leaders like George Washington.
Tullus Hostilius
There’s considerable historical evidence about Tullus Hostilius, the legendary third King of Rome. Historians credit him with doubling Rome’s population, building the Roman Senate House, waging fights against rival cities, and destroying Alba Longa after its ruler betrayed Rome. Despite mythical elements like being raised by shepherds, he was a real king.
Semiramis
Queen Semiramis, wife of Onnes and Ninus, ruled Assyria’s Neo-Assyrian Empire after her husband’s death. Although myths say she was a goddess’s daughter who created the Hanging Gardens, she was a real queen named Sammu-ramat. She served as regent for her son, King Adad-Nirari III, and maintained great political power in the 9th century BCE.
Berserkers
Berserkers were legendary Viking warriors with fierce fighting abilities who became beasts during battle. While the transformation was a metaphor, berserkers existed between the 8th and 11th centuries. Historians believe they were Harald Fairhair’s elite vanguard when he unified Norway. Others say they used hallucinogenic plants, like henbane, to numb pain and gain strength.
Hyperboreans
In Greek mythology, Hyperboreans were giants with advanced technology who lived in Hyperborea, a land where the sun shone all day. Although we thought they lived in the Arctic, scholars now believe Hyperborea was likely ancient China. The proposed locations include the Xinjiang region near the Dzungarian Gate or parts of Central Asia.
Enmebaragesi
Historians record Enmebaragesi as Kish’s first real king in ancient Mesopotamia around 2700 BC. Despite the myths, inscriptions, and the Sumerian King List, he ruled when Kish controlled Sumer. Archaeological evidence confirms the name “Enmebaragesi” written on a vase fragment and another 2500 BCE ca fragment with “Enmebaragesi ruler of Kiš.”
Cyrus the Great
Cyrus the Great lived from 600–530 and founded the Achaemenid Empire, the largest empire then. He was born into royalty in Media or Persis (present-day Iran). Biblical accounts recount him as the tolerant and merciful King who freed the Jews from Babylon and allowed them to return to Jerusalem. His revolutionary policies were of free will.
Gilgamesh
This semi-divine hero ruled the Sumerian city-state Uruk in ancient Mesopotamia and journeyed to find the mystical Utnapishtim and eternal life after his best friend’s demise. Though his heroic tales are legends, inscriptions mention him building Uruk’s walls, including one at Ur that reads, “Gilgameš is the one whom Utu has selected.”
Hannibal Barca
This list concludes with Hannibal, the most famous Carthaginian figure known for his conflict with Rome. Hannibal was born in Carthage around 247 BCE and lived to become one of history’s fiercest military leaders. Ancient historians like Polybius and Livy documented his campaigns and daring adventures, including an Alps crossing with elephants during the Second Punic.