legendary figure

A legendary figure is a person—real or imagined—who has become the subject of widespread stories, often with details embellished or invented over time.

King Arthur and Robin Hood are legendary figures whose historical existence remains uncertain.

The term also applies to real people whose accomplishments have grown larger than life: Muhammad Ali became a legendary figure in boxing.

Unlike a legend, which can describe both the person and their story, legendary figure emphasizes the individual rather than the narrative surrounding them.