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What is an Urban Legend?

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”

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What is an Urban Legend?

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  1. What is an Urban Legend?

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. True or False? • Falsehood is not a requirement for a story entering the realm of folklore • It’s the lesson, not the event Source: www.snopes.com

  5. Standards to Assess Urban Legends • Friend of a friend • Eager Storyteller • Common Fears or Concerns • Multiple Versions Source: Complete Idiot’s Guide to Urban Legends

  6. Standards to Assess Urban Legends • Important Lesson or Warning • Endures over time • “Too good not to tell” • A Fateful Hero Source: Complete Idiot’s Guide to Urban Legends

  7. Types of Urban Legends • Famous Figures • Paranoia • Humiliation • Conformity • Internet • Brand Names Source: www.urbanlegends.about.com

  8. Why is this important? • Entertainment/attention grabbing • Even though stories are far fetched somewhat believable and strike a nerve NO WAY!

  9. Urban Legend Websites • www.urbanlegends.com • www.snopes2.com/horror • www.urbanlegends.about.com • www.ulrc.com.au

  10. Thank You!

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