Urban legends I swear this is real because I heard it through the girlfriend of a friend of my cousin’s

TRAILER, Urban Legend, 1998

Urban legend What did you notice about: Character? Setting? Development of tone? Other?

WHAT ARE URBAN LEGENDS? Urban legends are a kind of folklore with stories often thought to be factual by those circulating them. They are sometimes repeated in news stories and distributed by e- mail. People often say such tales happened to a "friend of a friend."

FACT, OR FICTION? Urban legends are not necessarily untrue, but they are often false, distorted, exaggerated, or sensationalized. Despite the name, urban legends do not necessarily take place in an urban setting. They are often are born of fears and insecurities.

GENRE Most urban legends are framed as stories, with plots and characters. They have elements of mystery, horror, fear, or humor. Many of these legends are presented as warnings or cautionary tales.

EXAMPLES Some famous examples of urban legends are: • Sewer alligators • Kidney transplant • Finger found in Wendy’s© chili • Bubble gum contains spider eggs • Hopkin’s tomb

COMPONENTS OF AN URBAN LEGEND A credible source (friend, relative) Fantastic information about a familiar place, object or person Fear already existing in society The email states, ‘This is not a hoax’ (and in UPPERCASE with exclamation marks!!) Very important information that you’ve never heard before or seen elsewhere. A warning and directions to avoid this potentially dangerous situation

Urban legends, background The stories created by the Brothers Grimm have inspired many modern retellings, especially through cartoon and feature films. Most of their stories were gathered by word-of-mouth, carefully weaving together fragments of various stories to create their own unique version. Read the following story of Cinderella and notice the difference between it and the modern retelling. How is it different and what does it tell us about urban legends? About narrative writing in general?

In the original tale of Cinderella, we see a more hardened reality for the poor maiden. She was forced to do all of the household chores, and was ridiculed and punished by her two step-sisters. She had no room to sleep in a bed, so she fell asleep in the cinders of the fireplace, which gave her name "Cinderella." She befriended a small white bird who granted her wishes when she wanted for something. When the King arranged for a three day festival in which all of the town's maidens were to arrive, the three sisters felt eager to go. Even so, Cinderella wasn't allowed to attend the festival according to her step-mother's challenging wishes and embarrassment. So, she went to the white bird and made a wish, then became dressed in a beautiful gold and silver gown with matching slippers. She went to the festival and met with the Prince, whom danced with her throughout the night. When she was ready to leave the festival, she had to run away and hide. And this occurred on each of the other two nights of the festival. The Prince was determined to find his true Princess, so he took the slipper that Cinderella had left behind and searched for her. He arrived at Cinderella's home, but first the two sisters each tried to fit the slippers to their foot, even damaging their own feet to do so. But, the Prince could see the truth. He questioned Cinderella's father of whether he had another daughter, and he replied with embarrassment when the Prince saw Cinderella lying in the ashes. But, the Prince knew her face immediately and wanted to take her away to be married in his kingdom. Before leaving, Cinderella met once again with her bird companions. Once their marriage took place, the two step-sisters wanted to plead with Cinderella that she give them a portion of her riches, but the two sisters were only to be sent away, their eyes picked at by the birds.

CINDERELLA – COMPARE/CONTRAST ORIGINAL BROTHERS GRIMM STORY MODERN RETELLING