Urban Legends: Separating Truth from Fiction Urban legends have fascinated people for generations, captivating our imaginations with tales that blur the line between fact and fiction. These modern-day folklore stories are often circulated through word of mouth, email chains, and social media, growing more intriguing and sometimes outlandish with each retelling. In this article, we will explore some popular urban legends, revealing the truth behind the myths and pointing you in the direction of recommended books that delve into these captivating tales. 1. "The Hook-Handed Killer": One of the most well-known urban legends, this chilling story involves a young couple parked in a remote lover's lane. As the tale goes, they hear a news report about an escaped mental patient with a hook for a hand. Terrified, they drive off only to discover a hook dangling from the car door handle. While this story may seem plausible, there is no concrete evidence to support its veracity. However, lovers of suspenseful horror fiction might enjoy reading "Urban Legends: 666 Absolutely True Stories That Happened to a Friend...of a Friend...of a Friend" by Thomas J. Craughwell and "The Encyclopedia of Urban Legends" by Jan Harold Brunvand. 2. "The Vanishing Hitchhiker": This legend tells of a ghostly hitchhiker who vanishes from a car after receiving a kind lift from a stranger. Variations of this story exist worldwide, but the underlying theme remains the same. Truth be told, there's no concrete proof of its occurrence. If you're intrigued by this eerie phenomenon, you might find "The Vanishing Hitchhiker: American Urban Legends and Their Meanings" by Jan Harold Brunvand an engrossing read. 3. "Bloody Mary": This urban legend revolves around a supernatural ritual that causes the ghostly apparition of a vengeful woman, often called Bloody Mary, to appear in a mirror. Though many have claimed to witness this phenomenon, it is widely accepted as a case of collective hysteria and optical illusions. For those interested in exploring the origins and variations of this legend, "The Truth Behind the Legend of Bloody Mary" by Corey Greenberg is a recommended read. 4. "The Killer in the Backseat": According to this hair-raising tale, a woman driving alone at night is alerted to a dangerous presence in her backseat by a mysterious stranger or fellow driver. In a panic, she speeds away only to discover a man hiding in her backseat, intending to attack. While the story serves as a cautionary tale, there is no concrete evidence to support its occurrence. Fans of suspenseful short stories might find "The Big Book of Urban Legends" by Jan Harold Brunvand an intriguing collection. As you dive into the world of urban legends, it's crucial to approach them with a healthy dose of skepticism. While these tales may captivate our imaginations, it's important to separate fact from fiction. But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the thrill and excitement they provide. Exploring books by authors like Jan Harold Brunvand, Thomas J. Craughwell, and Corey Greenberg will deepen your understanding of these fascinating stories. Remember, whether these legends are true or not, their enduring popularity speaks to our innate desire for mystery and storytelling. So, next time you hear an urban legend, delve into the rich world of literature and discover the various interpretations and origins behind these intriguing modern myths.
The so-called household spirits are the worship of animated animals by the common people. They are beings both demonic and divine! If you believe in them, you will receive blessings! However, if you offend them... My grandma is a "spirit supplier" who specializes in worshipping household spirits. She keeps many little ghosts in her house, stores dead people in jars, and even makes me kowtow to a big rat. Since the time I accidentally knocked over an offering to the household spirits!!! Grandma told me: If you want to stay alive, you must...
596.39 Million words | 2023-04-10 11:23Update
A poor young woman from the countryside, with a destitute household and no male heirs. Her grandma scolds and belittles, while uncles covet the family property. Fortunately, her parents have a loving relationship, and with the help of their clever and magical baby, they work together to farm and thrive. Each day brings better fortune, and with their four beautiful daughters, they search for the perfect and affectionate suitors with open eyes!
522.18 Million words | 2022-08-13 07:21Update
[Star Brainstorm King] Entry: [Not Strong Female Lead] "Your Highness, the princess has beaten up the little prince!" The prince didn't even lift his eyes. "Well done." "Your Highness, the little prince has run away with someone else." "Then let's have another one." "But, Your Highness, the little prince took the princess with him." The prince raised an eyebrow, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes. "Bring back the traitor and start from scratch!" Just as Su Nuanuan arrived at the foot of the imperial city, she happened to stumble upon a soft and tender son, A son who only listened to her.
116.03 Million words | 2021-03-02 14:01Update
After a tea house that had captured drug dealers discovers a woman's body, the police quickly intervene to investigate. Prosecutor Su Xi goes from being a witness at the crime scene to becoming a wanted suspect throughout the city. A series of events ensue rapidly. Why is Su Xi running around helping a stranger, death row inmate Wei Dong, along with his beloved Jeannie? Su Xi feels trapped in a game where the rules require her to constantly complete tasks. She believes that completing Task One will lead to Task Two's hidden attributes. A showdown between prosecutor, death row inmate, detective, and drug lord unfolds. 'Su Xi, run! Stay alive to clear his name,' they said.
186.40 Million words | 2020-09-13 02:31Update
An encounter, love at first sight. She gave her heart to the man she loved, who suffered a family tragedy. He promised to protect her at all costs, even if it meant sacrificing himself. But driven by his own desires, he married her off to someone else. He wore a golden robe, she wept in plain clothes. He reveled in song and dance, she found solace in the cold moonlight. Your city, my tears. I wish to never meet you again for eternity.
299.43 Million words | 2022-07-01 23:10Update
In the procession of this long snake-like coffin, leading the way are three chariots, each carrying a coffin. Inside these coffins lie Prince Shen, Pang Juan, and the Green Bull respectively. Six Wei generals walk alongside Pang Juan's coffin, three on each side, all wearing identical armor with white cloth wrapped around their helmets. With one hand holding a spear and the other resting on the coffin, they seem to be supporting their general. Several people also walk alongside the Green Bull's coffin. Due to the Green Bull's towering stature, his coffin is specially made and stands out conspicuously when viewed from the nearby hilltop.
585.23 Million words | 2022-05-03 13:34Update
Sorry, Mom. I love you! After being reborn, I will dedicate my entire life to loving and protecting you! Never again will you be hurt! Bai Ling swears to the heavens! Blood, tears, white chrysanthemums, they all intertwine in a lifetime of love, hate, and tragedy. I possess a mysterious weapon. "Chen Shimei" Dad, step aside, because you're not worthy! Crazy mistress, I'll make sure your fate is miserable! Troublesome fourth party, don't play innocent, dare to bully my mom, I'll scratch your face!
541.63 Million words | 2021-11-05 22:33Update
"If one day I were to disappear, would you be sad?" "I don't know." "Then, if one day I were to die, would you cry?" "I... I don't know!" With a bitter smile, I know that your so-called tears, your so-called attachment, will never... appear on me."
247.94 Million words | 2020-11-24 04:35Update
How could she, a highly skilled international secret agent, transmigrate into a weak and bullied girl? Enduring mistreatment from her uncle and aunt, she can no longer tolerate her arranged marriage. But hey, this prince doesn't seem bad. Though he's arrogant with his looks, she teasingly asks, 'My lord, you just got married yesterday. Why are you not at home with your bride and instead running to the palace?'
150.12 Million words | 2022-03-01 04:36Update
On the willow's tip beneath the moon, We meet after the dusk is strewn. With raised eyebrows, whispered low, "Do you marry me, or do I go?" PS: Just a perfectly ordinary man and woman, anyone thinking otherwise please kindly retreat.
76.12 Million words | 2021-02-04 19:56Update
【【Cloud Rising Realistic Subject Essay Contest】Submission】 ① "Fierce martial arts master × elegant scholar in the moonlight"? Wrong, it's just "soft and cute protagonist × intriguing plot". This story is a romantic fiction disguised as a game, a sweet romantic tale with secret admiration. ② The legendary female martial artist retires and finally meets her bright moonlight. Unexpectedly, past grudges are unresolved, and she is caught in a complicated situation. "Let's forget it, let's make peace." "As long as I'm here, no one can hurt you." ③ Lu Mian ran to the desk, eagerly looking at Cheng Xi, "Is it true that some members of your team are going to participate in 'Fight, Warriors'?".
391.66 Million words | 2023-01-28 05:50Update
In both past and present lives, the princess cannot escape the fate of a fallen kingdom. It's better to die early and be reincarnated sooner. But surprisingly, the heavens didn't take her away, so she decides to fight against her destiny! Training her skills, disguising herself as a man, she throws herself in and firmly holds onto the thigh of the number one general in the world! With an elegant temperament, she reaches the highest of the heavens, her beauty provoking jealousy. In a moment, her noble spirit is seized, she would rather be shattered jade than an intact tile...
127.41 Million words | 2021-07-05 13:13Update
Crossing over into the game world, Matthew realizes that his system seems to have a tiny problem... 'Class: Necromancer, Task: Planting Trees, Goal: X trees, Reward: Summon 'Bone Dragon' & abundant EXP'... And so, a necromancer who upholds balance more than a druid is born...
82.71 Million words | 2022-08-09 00:54Update
As the last descendant of the Hu family, not only am I the last soul summoner in the world, but I was also born on a Yin year, Yin month, Yin day, and Yin hour, making me a person with four pillars of pure Yin. In order to continue the Hu family lineage, my grandmother arranged a marriage for me when I was young. However, after meeting this girl with four pillars of pure Yang, we immediately encountered a great calamity. The only solution is to marry a Yin bride and enter the Yin Gate. With my ghost wife, we explore feng shui, embark on a journey to bring souls back to life, and even study together for exams… In order to prolong my life, I must also unravel the impending doom that the Hu family faces at the age of twenty-five. If you enjoy "Marrying a Female Ghost as My Wife", please don't forget to recommend it to your friends in your QQ groups and on Weibo! You can read the latest
484.83 Million words | 2022-10-28 19:00Update
Nine Crimson, although appearing strong, is still fragile on the inside. This contradiction pushes her onto a path of crazed despair. Meanwhile, Hailan Zhu is a woman with a complex personality and a turbulent destiny. She was originally timid and cowardly, but a great setback changed her, causing her to develop an arrogant and domineering character, even becoming presumptuous and haughty.
500.60 Million words | 2022-08-29 02:02Update
To her, he was the only one; to him, she was just one among many. Faced with his three thousand beauties, her ordinary appearance finally won his wholehearted love through her extraordinary intelligence and talent. However, no matter how unyielding their love was, it could not withstand the conspiracy... Looking at the bowl of abortion medicine, as red as blood, tears streamed down her face. He coldly looked at her and ordered her, in an imperious tone, to drink it! Since he was heartless enough to personally destroy their own flesh and blood, then, with such a heartless father, her child, if born, would also suffer... She picked up the bowl and drank the bitter liquid in one gulp! Then, suppressing her immense sorrow, she smiled, walked to the bedside, and quietly lay down, resignedly waiting for the excruciating pain...
490.77 Million words | 2021-06-21 23:30Update
After half a year of hibernation and almost two hundred days of brewing, Luo Badao once again returns to the interstellar realm filled with a cold metallic feel. The gates of the stars slowly open, and the tides of the interstellar clash against the door of the future. Let us unfold the wings of imagination together and explore the mysterious world of fantasy... Protagonist: Luo Badao.
191.19 Million words | 2020-11-20 03:33Update
The new book "Sweet Love in the Countryside: The Darling Wife from the Rural Door, is Pregnant" has been released! Book enthusiasts group. The husband, who couldn't even afford a round of marriage, was divorced and sent back to his parents' home. Just as he caught his breath, his older brother and sister-in-law wanted to marry her off to a fool as a tool for passing on the family lineage! In frustration, she hung herself with a hemp rope and, magically, ended up here! She didn't want to die again, so she had no choice but to marry. On their wedding night, her faint glimmer of hope was shattered when she realized: He really is a fool! A certified fool! Regardless of how handsome he looks, he's still a fool! An abandoned woman and a fool, to outsiders, they are a perfect match! However, this fool's background is full of twists and turns. What is going on?
113.39 Million words | 2023-02-26 16:58Update
On the day of her wedding, she was kidnapped by bandits, and her innocence was in question. After returning, she married into a prestigious family again, but what kind of uproar will she stir up? With numerous women in the mansion, the spring is boundless. She said, "The ones who laugh in the end are the true winners!" === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === ===
361.62 Million words | 2022-12-14 14:39Update
New story "Don't Pity Me, I'm a Delicate Flower" is currently being drafted. Please click over to follow and save the book~ The notorious eldest princess suddenly died, in a state of disarray. Just as everyone was applauding, she was reborn. What? Reborn as the foolish daughter of her archenemy's family and forced to marry another fool? Regarding updates, an additional chapter will be added with a jade pendant~ As for the crown, the young master will attend the royal bed, lah lah lah~
52.55 Million words | 2020-07-22 09:18Update
