According to the alt.folklore.urban FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions), an urban legend:

appears mysteriously and spreads spontaneously in varying forms.

contains elements of humor or horror (the horror often "punishes"  someone who flouts society's conventions).

makes good storytelling.

does not have to be false, although most are. ULs often have a basis in fact, but it's their life after-the-fact (particularly in reference to the second and third points) that gives them particular interest.

WWW pages dealing with urban legends and myths

sites which list internet hoaxes and viruses - e-mail virus warnings, chain letters, etc.

material on  Alan Dundes, UC Berkeley's popular anthropology professor and explorer of folklore

Urban Myths and Legends

The Urban Legends Reference Page
Search by category (Business, Sex, Language, Coca Cola, etc.).  Legends are rated for their truth content, and extensively described.

Urban Myths, Legends, Folklore and Fairytales
In addition to the more traditional  legends, this page contains descriptions of lots of "cybermyths" - e-mail messages you may have already received (and believed!)

Urban Legend Machine
Fun! You can make your own urban legend at this site.

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Internet Hoaxes and Scares

Hoaxbusters
A page hosted by the US government's Computer Incident Advisory Center

Computer Virus Myth Homepage
The truth about computer virus myths and hoaxes.

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About Alan Dundes

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
An article on Prof. Dundes from the Berkleyan.

India's Caste Sytem
A UCB news release on Prof. Dundes book "Two Tales of Sparrow and Crow".

Amazon.com Books
Type "Alan Dundes" in the search window and click on "Go" to see a complete listing of Prof. Dundes books, with brief descriptions and reviews.

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