What is an Urban Legend?

Academic or Folklorist Definition

“A kind of modern myth that carries certain distinctive attributes”

“The classic urban legend is a compelling story of unknown origin that spreads in various forms and may use humor or terror to deliver a lesson”

Urban Legends are a modern equivalent of classic folk tales

Source: Complete Idiot’s Guide to Urban Legends

What is an Urban Legend?Common Responses:“An urban legend is one of those creepy yarns people tell, like

the one about the guy with the hook who hangs out on Lover’s Lane”

“Oh, you know, it’s one of those weird stories-like the one in which the kid ate so many Pop Rocks that he died.”

Source: Complete Idiot’s Guide to Urban Legends

True or False?Falsehood is not a requirement for a story entering the realm of folkloreIt’s the lesson, not the event

Source: www.snopes.com

Standards to Assess Urban LegendsFriend of a friendEager StorytellerCommon Fears or ConcernsMultiple Versions

Source: Complete Idiot’s Guide to Urban Legends

Standards to Assess Urban LegendsImportant Lesson or WarningEndures over time“Too good not to tell”A Fateful Hero

Source: Complete Idiot’s Guide to Urban Legends

Types of Urban Legends

Famous FiguresParanoiaHumiliationConformityInternetBrand Names

Source: www.urbanlegends.about.com

Why is this important?

Entertainment/attention grabbingEven though stories are far fetched somewhat believable and strike a nerve

NO WAY!

Urban Legend Websites

www.urbanlegends.comwww.snopes2.com/horrorwww.urbanlegends.about.comwww.ulrc.com.au

Thank You!