URBAN LEGENDS

An urban legend, urban myth, urban tale, or contemporary legend is a form of modern folklore consisting

of stories that may or may not have been believed by their tellers to be true. As with all folklore and mythology,

the designation suggests nothing about the story's veracity, but merely that it is in circulation, exhibits variation

over time, and carries some significance that motivates the community in preserving and propagating it.

Despite its name, an urban legend does not necessarily originate in an urban area. Rather, the term is used to

differentiate modern legend from traditional folklore in pre-industrial times. For this reason, sociologists and

folklorists prefer the term contemporary legend.

Urban legends are sometimes repeated in news stories and, in recent years, distributed by e-mail. People

frequently allege that such tales happened to a "friend of a friend"; so often, in fact, that "friend of a friend has

become a commonly used term when recounting this type of story.

Some urban legends have passed through the years with only minor changes to suit regional variations. One

example is the story of a woman killed by spiders nesting in her elaborate hairdo. More recent legends tend to

reflect modern circumstances, like the story of people ambushed, anesthetized, and waking up minus one

kidney, which was surgically removed for transplantation--"The Kidney Heist."

The term “urban legend,” as used by folklorists, has appeared in print since at least 1968. Jan Harold Brunvand,

professor of English at the University of Utah, introduced the term to the general public in a series of popular

books published beginning in 1981. Brunvand used his collection of legends to make two points: first, that

legends and folklore do not occur exclusively in so-called primitive or traditional societies, and second, that one

could learn much about urban and modern culture by studying such tales.

Many urban legends are framed as complete stories with plot and characters. The teller of an urban legend may

claim it happened to a friend, which serves to personalize, authenticate and enhance the power of the narrative.

Many urban legends depict horrific crimes, contaminated foods or other situations which would affect many

people. The compelling appeal of a typical urban legend is its elements of mystery, horror, fear or humor.

Often they serve as cautionary tales. Some urban legends are morality tales that depict someone, usually a child, acting in a disagreeable manner, only to wind up in trouble, hurt, or dead.

Every country has their own traditions, cultures, history, geography, art, culinary practice, thoughts, expression, language, and so do they have urban legends which have been passed from one to another. This cycle has been continuing for centuries.

Some urban legends are gory and could make even an adult get goosebumps. While some have sweet and delicate backgrounds which we would love or sympathize with. Some legends may be created by people to get the attention of naughty kids to behave themselves or to hide a crime. Nobody knows.....

Who wouldn't love a story which is interesting and worth a discussion?

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