Legends, folktales, and ghost stories have been passed down from generation to generation throughout Nicaraguan history. These stories have multiple purposes ranging from entertainment to teaching young children valuable lessons dating back to Spanish conquest.

The information in this unit contains taped interviews and stories from Nicaraguans of all walks of life discussing popular legends and stories. These stories have remained a part of Nicaraguan culture because they illustrate man’s eternal struggle with the forces of good and evil.

All of the lessons in this section of the Resource Guide are structured for Spanish language classes. Each story introduces new vocabulary and provides students with the opportunity to practice retelling and comprehension skills.

Since legends and ghost stories are usually passed down orally from generation to generation, it is important that listening skills be developed. The taped interviews from native Nicaraguans discussing their favorite legend can be played for the students in either the pre-reading or post-reading phase, at the teacher’s discretion.