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What are Urban Legends, Ghost Legends, Folklore, Myths, & Superstitions?
An Urban Legend appear mysteriously and spread spontaneously in varying forms/versions, containing elements of humor or horror (the horror often "punishes" someone who flouts society's conventions). They make for good storytelling. Although they do NOT have to be false, many are, and people tend to believe them without actual evidence to substantiate the story. Urban Legends often do have a basis in fact, but it is their life after-the-fact that gives them particular interest.
Ghost Legends are much the same as urban legends, in that, they appear mysteriously and are spread spontaneously. They are spooky/hair-raising tales that relate instances of haunted bridges, abandoned houses or other mysterious places within a community. They are not personal ghost stories or even the story of someone you know, but rather a tale that has been passed on from generation to generation - quite often told around the campfire or when all the lights go out. As with urban legends, their origins *may* be based on fact, but have mutated in such a way that there is not sufficient evidence to back the stories up.
The definition of Folklore is large and complex, but for our purpose here, it is definded as follows: Folklore is a body of traditional beliefs, legends, customs, assumptions, feelings and attitudes of a group or people. One of the aspects of folklore is oral literature, which is passed on through word of mouth.
Myths are traditional stories whose author is unknown, that are orally transmitted, usually among a specific group of people. Myths have their roots in primitive folk-beliefs or cultures and uses supernatural power to explain a particular cultures view of the universe or the nature of humanity. Example: the acts of gods or other superhuman beings
A Superstition is a custom or act based on an irrational (and non-scientific) belief in the ominous significance of a particular thing, circumstance or occurance. Example: breaking a mirror will result in 7 years of bad luck, stepping on the cracks in the sidewalk or walking under a ladder will bring back luck; rubbing a rabbits foot or crossing ones fingers for good luck
[ October 08, 2003, 05:42 PM: Message edited by: KellKell ]
An Urban Legend appear mysteriously and spread spontaneously in varying forms/versions, containing elements of humor or horror (the horror often "punishes" someone who flouts society's conventions). They make for good storytelling. Although they do NOT have to be false, many are, and people tend to believe them without actual evidence to substantiate the story. Urban Legends often do have a basis in fact, but it is their life after-the-fact that gives them particular interest.
Ghost Legends are much the same as urban legends, in that, they appear mysteriously and are spread spontaneously. They are spooky/hair-raising tales that relate instances of haunted bridges, abandoned houses or other mysterious places within a community. They are not personal ghost stories or even the story of someone you know, but rather a tale that has been passed on from generation to generation - quite often told around the campfire or when all the lights go out. As with urban legends, their origins *may* be based on fact, but have mutated in such a way that there is not sufficient evidence to back the stories up.
The definition of Folklore is large and complex, but for our purpose here, it is definded as follows: Folklore is a body of traditional beliefs, legends, customs, assumptions, feelings and attitudes of a group or people. One of the aspects of folklore is oral literature, which is passed on through word of mouth.
Myths are traditional stories whose author is unknown, that are orally transmitted, usually among a specific group of people. Myths have their roots in primitive folk-beliefs or cultures and uses supernatural power to explain a particular cultures view of the universe or the nature of humanity. Example: the acts of gods or other superhuman beings
A Superstition is a custom or act based on an irrational (and non-scientific) belief in the ominous significance of a particular thing, circumstance or occurance. Example: breaking a mirror will result in 7 years of bad luck, stepping on the cracks in the sidewalk or walking under a ladder will bring back luck; rubbing a rabbits foot or crossing ones fingers for good luck
[ October 08, 2003, 05:42 PM: Message edited by: KellKell ]