Quote by James A. Baldwin
Every legend, moreover, contains its residuum of truth, and the root function of language is to control the universe by describing it.
Summary
This quote suggests that legends, despite being largely fictional, still have elements of truth within them. It implies that these tales serve a purpose of explaining and controlling the universe by using language to describe it. In other words, legends act as a way for people to make sense of the world around them, even if they are not entirely based on reality. Language, according to this quote, plays a fundamental role in shaping our understanding of the universe.