Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer was a 19th century Spanish poet and writer best known for his legends. This guide provides an overview of Bécquer's life and works and analyzes the structure and themes of his legends. It notes that the legends follow conventions of folktales by including an introduction establishing the situation, a prohibition, the protagonist breaking the rule, and receiving punishment. The guide examines similarities between the protagonists and how Bécquer adapted the legends for publication in newspapers and magazines of his time.