The phrase "popular legend" refers to a story or belief that is widely known and accepted by many people, but may not be proven to be entirely true or accurate. Full definition
Eissfeldt, in 1922, proposed the symbol L (for «lay» source) for that strand of J dealing with popular legends and myths and reflecting a more primitive social and theological background. (religion-online.org)
According to popular legend surrounding the prayer, its second half also replicates the joyous cries of villagers who witnessed Mary's assumption into heaven. (firstthings.com)
It is not impossible that these incidents took place as recorded; it is equally possible that the stories are popular legends typifying the fervent Messianic hope of Judaism at the time of Jesus» birth and the fact that there were devout souls in Israel who found in him the answer to their hopes. (religion-online.org)