One of the more widespread urban myths is the idea of the black - eyed children. They are children who approach people, usually at night, asking for help or to be let in. Their eyes are completely black, and there's an otherworldly and menacing feel about them. No one really knows where they come from, but they are said to bring bad luck or something far worse if you interact with them. These stories are often shared among people as a warning about the dangers of the night and the unknown.
The Hook - handed Man in American urban myths is quite well - known. The story is often set in a lovers' lane. A couple is parked when they hear on the radio about an escaped convict with a hook for a hand. Later, they hear scratching on the car. When the guy goes to check, he finds a hook on the door handle. This story plays on people's fear of the unknown and being in isolated, romantic settings. Also, in some European cities, there are tales of haunted castles where the ghosts of former lords or ladies still roam the halls, causing strange noises and apparitions.
The Japanese have the legend of the Yurei. These are spirits of the dead that often come back for revenge or because they have unfinished business. They are depicted as pale, long - haired figures in white robes. In Irish folklore, there's the Banshee. It is a female spirit whose wailing warns of a death in the family. It is often described as a very old woman with long, white hair. Also, the Kraken from Norse mythology is well - known. It is a huge sea monster that can sink ships.
The story of La Llorona is very popular. It's about a weeping woman. In the legend, she drowned her children in a fit of rage and now wanders the earth, weeping and searching for them. This urban legend has been passed down through generations in Hispanic cultures and has also been the subject of many movies and books. It serves as a cautionary tale for parents to take good care of their children.
One of the most famous is the story of Marco Polo bringing pasta (a type of noodle) back from China to Italy. Although some historians debate this, it's a well - known story that has contributed to the global popularity of pasta.
In Edinburgh, the Mary King's Close is said to be haunted. It's an underground street where many people died during the plague. Visitors and workers in the area have reported seeing strange figures and feeling cold spots. Since we can't prove the existence of ghosts scientifically, it remains an unexplained mystery. It might be that the history and the atmosphere of the place create an environment where people think they see ghosts.
The case of James Leininger is quite well - known too. He was just a little boy but had such clear memories of being a pilot. For example, he remembered the plane he flew, which was a Corsair. He was so insistent on these memories that his parents were compelled to look into it. And as it turned out, there were real historical facts that corresponded to what he said. It really makes one wonder about the mysteries of reincarnation.
The case of Bridey Murphy is quite famous. A woman named Virginia Tighe claimed to be the reincarnation of an Irish woman named Bridey Murphy. Under hypnosis, she spoke with an Irish accent and gave detailed accounts of life in 19th - century Ireland. However, some skeptics later argued that her memories could have been influenced by things she had heard or read.
The 'Candyman' legend is quite famous. If you say his name five times while looking into a mirror, he will appear. He has a hook for a hand and is said to be the spirit of a murdered man. He'll then kill the person who summoned him.
The Colosseum in Rome. It was the site of gladiatorial contests and other public spectacles in ancient Rome. Many true stories of the brave gladiators, the emperors who presided over the events, and the huge crowds that filled the arena are associated with it. It's a symbol of the grandeur of the Roman Empire.
The Edinburgh Castle in Scotland has its share of ghost stories. People claim to have seen the ghosts of soldiers from past battles. There are also reports of a headless drummer boy. In Japan, there's the Aokigahara Forest, also known as the 'Suicide Forest'. It is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who have taken their own lives there. It has an extremely eerie and foreboding atmosphere.
One interesting myth story is the Greek myth of Pandora's Box. Pandora was given a box by the gods and was told not to open it. But her curiosity got the better of her. When she opened it, all the evils of the world - like sickness, sorrow, and envy - were released, leaving only hope inside.