Well, there's the obvious cliched reason. But then cliches become cliches because they work.
Here's the Prachett version from Light Fantastic:
"Legend?" [Rincewind] said. "What legend?"
"It's been handed down from mountain to gravel since the sunset of time," said the first troll. "'When the red star lights the sky Rincewind the wizard will come looking for onions. Do not bite him. It is very important that you help him stay alive.'"
There was a pause.
"That's it?" said Rincewind.
"Yes," said the troll. "We've always been puzzled about it. Most of our legends are much more exciting."
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