Here's a breakdown of the key similarities between the legend and Shakespeare's play:
* The Prince's Revenge: Both Amleth and Hamlet seek revenge for the murder of their father, the king, by his brother.
* The Ghost: Both legends feature a ghost that reveals the truth of the murder and urges the prince to avenge his father.
* The Feigned Madness: Both Amleth and Hamlet pretend to be mad to avoid suspicion while plotting their revenge.
* The Fatal Trap: Both stories involve a cunning trap set by the prince to kill his enemies.
However, Shakespeare significantly elaborated on the original legend, adding elements like:
* The Love Story: Hamlet's relationship with Ophelia and the tragic consequences of his revenge are original to the play.
* The Philosophical Themes: Shakespeare's Hamlet explores complex themes of revenge, justice, morality, and the human condition, which are not present in the original legend.
* The Character Development: Shakespeare's Hamlet is a far more nuanced and complex character than Amleth, with his internal struggles and intellectual introspection.
So, while the core plot of Hamlet is rooted in the legend of Amleth, Shakespeare transformed it into a profound and enduring work of art.