Topic: Myths and Urban Legends EQ: What Are They and Where Do They Come From? Objective: Students will define both myth and legend and distinguish between the two, identifying the characteristics of both.

What are Myths and Urban Legends? Urban legends and myths are modern folk tales. People tell myths (fiction) to explain the unexplainable. Legends are based on a small truth, exaggerated over time (nonfiction mixed with fiction). Often based on hearsay Often circulated as true Plausible sounding story Shocking or funny climax

Where do Urban Legends come from? They have been around for centuries Passed on from person to person Today the internet is full of urban legends that are passed on through Facebook or other social media

They Contain Elements of Truth Elements of truth make them believable Setting is likely to be a real place (Hemet, California) Some are inspired by an actual event Each time the story is told it changes a little and details are added or changed. Think of rumors or the game of telephone.

Urban Legends can be about any thing Woman dries poodle in microwave Man dies in vat of gravy while making it for a restaurant House is haunted by former dead owners Bloody Mary Hook man

Urban Legends have common topics or subject matter. Humor Horror Warning Embarrassment Appeal to empathy Moralizing

Recognize the element s of Urban Legends Story is about non-specific protagonist (friend of a friend), not the story teller You hear different versions of the same story Topic related to common fears such as death, embarrassment, or crime Story has a moral or warning Story is too odd to be true