Last night I realized that two of the places I have worked have had, as part of the lore of the place, a fictional character who everyone willingly pretended was real (in a tongue-in-cheek way). These were both in semi-educational institutions, but it was the adults who propagated the myth of the character, for each others' entertainment. These characters both sent postcards from around the world, and gathered to them improbable stories about their adventures. I'm wondering, how common is this phenomenon, and can you describe any fictional characters that have been part of the lore and legend where you have lived or worked?
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posted by Miko
on May 23, 2013 -
71 answers
Trying to identify a book my nanna had on her shelf and that I loved when I was a kid, but has been given away since. I thought the volume was called 'Myths and Legends', though one story I recall in particular strikes me as probably more of a fairy story. It might have been one of a set with a number of volumes.
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posted by springbound
on Oct 27, 2012 -
6 answers
Are there Asian, African, or Spanish speaking equivalents to the Arthurian legends?
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posted by gt2
on Sep 16, 2012 -
30 answers
Is there a story related to the crucifixion of Jesus in which hair is pulled or held? Also, is there a feather in the story related to the crucifixion of Jesus?
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posted by mortaddams
on Apr 8, 2010 -
6 answers
Tell me some scary and/or mysterious things that are local to your area, but not necessarily well-known to the rest of the world.
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posted by amyms
on Sep 30, 2009 -
65 answers
I'm looking for some good books/websites/journals etc dealing with Breton and/or Acadian mythology.
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posted by Biblio
on May 17, 2007 -
6 answers
Are there any cultures that
don't anthropomorphize animals and other things (living or otherwise) in their myths, legends, folktales, etc.? Is this a universal thing? And if it is universal, are there any layman accessible books or articles on why?
posted by PinkStainlessTail
on Sep 25, 2006 -
20 answers
Re: urban legends/mobile phones.
Yesterday there was a rumour circulating in London (I heard it from several different sources). The story was that if you were to call the generic European Union emergency number (not 999) from your mobile phone from a Tube, it would work even in underground tunnels. Is there any truth in this or is this just an urban legend post-7/7?
posted by plep
on Jul 28, 2005 -
7 answers
What are some things once thought of as mythic, legendary, or folk tales, but know thought or known to be real?
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posted by orthogonality
on Mar 25, 2005 -
44 answers
