Legion facts for kids

Legion is a word that means a very large group of people or things. It is most often used to describe a large group of soldiers. However, the word "legion" can also refer to many other things, from groups of veterans to characters in comics and video games, and even types of music.

What Does "Legion" Mean?

The word "legion" comes from ancient Rome. It described a big part of their army. Today, it still often relates to military groups. But it also shows up in many other areas, like entertainment, sports, and even computer programs.

Military Groups Called Legions

Many military units throughout history and today have used the name "Legion." These groups are often known for being strong, disciplined, and sometimes made up of special soldiers.

• Roman legion: This was the main fighting unit of the ancient Roman army. A Roman legion was a very large group of soldiers, often thousands strong. They were famous for their organization and power.
• French Foreign Legion: This is a special part of the French Army. It is famous because it allows people from other countries to join and serve France. It has a long and interesting history.
• Spanish Legion: This is an elite, or very skilled, military unit within the Spanish Army. They are known for their toughness and special training.
• Condor Legion: This was a unit of military people from Nazi Germany's air force and army. They fought in the Spanish civil war.
• International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine: This is a group of foreign volunteers who joined the Ukrainian army during the 2022 war with Russia.
• Legion of the United States: This was how the United States Army was organized for a few years between 1792 and 1796.

Ships Named Legion

Some ships have also been named "Legion" to show strength and power.

• HMS Legion (1914): A British Royal Navy destroyer ship that fought in World War I.
• HMS Legion (G74): Another British Royal Navy destroyer. This ship fought in World War II and was sunk in 1942.

Groups for Veterans

After serving in the military, many soldiers join organizations that help veterans and their families. Some of these groups are called "Legions."

• American Legion: This is a large organization in the United States that supports American military veterans. They help veterans with many things, like healthcare and jobs.
• The Royal British Legion: This is a charity in the United Kingdom. It helps members of the British Armed Forces and their families.
• Royal Canadian Legion: This is a non-profit group in Canada that supports Canadian veterans.
• South African Legion of Military Veterans: This is the oldest organization for veterans in South Africa.

"Legion" in Arts and Entertainment

The word "Legion" is often used in books, movies, TV shows, and games. It can refer to characters, teams, or even entire worlds.

Comics

In comic books, "Legion" often means a powerful character or a group of heroes.

• Legion (Marvel Comics): This is a character from Marvel Comics. He is known for having many different powers.
• Legion (DC Comics): This is a supervillain character from DC Comics.
• Legion of Super-Heroes: This is a famous team of superheroes from DC Comics. They are from the future and fight for justice.
• The Legion (comics): This was one of the comic books where the Legion of Super-Heroes appeared.
• L.E.G.I.O.N.: This was a DC Comics title from 1989. It featured a team of superheroes who were like an earlier version of the Legion of Super-Heroes.

Movies and TV Shows

"Legion" has been used as a title for many films and TV episodes.

• Legion (2010 film): This is a movie about an apocalyptic event where angels fight against humanity.
• Legion (TV series): This is a TV show based on the Marvel Comics character. It explores his unique powers and mind.
• Gamera 2: Attack of Legion: This movie features an alien monster called Legion.
• "Legion" (Red Dwarf): This is an episode from the TV show Red Dwarf.
• "Legion" (Law & Order: Criminal Intent): This is an episode from the TV show Law & Order: Criminal Intent.

Video Games

In video games, "Legion" can be a character, a group of enemies, or even a game title.

• World of Warcraft: Legion: This is a very popular expansion for the online game World of Warcraft.
• Legion (Mass Effect): This is a character in the game Mass Effect 2. It is a synthetic, or artificial, intelligence.
• Dead by Daylight: This horror game features a group of killer characters known as The Legion.
• Watch Dogs: Legion: This action-adventure game is set in a future London where you can recruit almost anyone to join your team.
• Legion Gold: This is a strategy game.
• Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath: This game features an artificial intelligence unit named Legion.

Music

The word "Legion" also appears in the music world, from band names to album titles and song names.

• Legion Records: A record company that started in 1997.
• Legion (band): A deathcore band from Columbus, Ohio.
• Legion (album): A 1992 album by the band Deicide.
• "Legion": A song by the band HammerFall from their album No Sacrifice, No Victory.

"Legion" in Other Areas

The word "Legion" is also used in a few other interesting ways.

• Legion (demons): In the Christian Bible, "Legion" is the name given by a group of demons to themselves.
• Legion (taxonomy): In biology, "legion" is a way to group living things, like a rank between class and order.
• Legion (software): This is a type of computer software system.

See also

In Spanish: Legión para niños