Urban Legends
Luke Mordue examines the historical impact of the stories that haunt our society, tales that have gripped towns and cities worldwide for centuries as actual events - Urban Legends. First, hear the tales retold as short stories before delving into the history of the legend, dissecting its cultural significance, factuality, and origins.
Released Fortnightly.
Episodes
44 episodes
Electric Birds. Part II. Thunderbird [Patreon Teaser]
The 'Thunderbird' is one of the most enduring figures in Native American folklore. A powerful, electric bird said to summon storms, strike down monsters, and keep balance between worlds. In this episode, I look at where the legend comes ...
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2:48
Banshee
Let's trace the eerie wail of one of Ireland’s most enduring legends, the 'Banshee'.Often dismissed as myth or metaphor, the Banshee is more than just a ghostly woman who cries in the night. Her story shifts across time and region, tangl...
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55:20
Electric Birds. Part I. Impundulu [Patreon Teaser]
In this chapter, we explore the legend of the 'Impundulu', Southern Africa’s lightning bird. A shapeshifting blood-drinker entity that is both feared and revered across generations.We’ll trace the story through Zulu, Xhos...
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2:59
The Pet Snake
**Trigger Warning: This chapter involves harm to children.**Join us as we explore a strange and unsettling tale that slithered its way into urban legend, 'The Pet Snake'.At first glance, it's a strange story of an affection...
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50:15
Nale Ba [Patreon Teaser]
In the 1990s, in the streets of Bangalore, India, a strange phrase began to appear on walls and doorways: 'Nale Ba''Translating as, 'Come Tomorrow.' This was all tied to the legend of a witch who wandered the streets at night, c...
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2:37
Kuchisake-Onna
Today we turn to one of Japan’s most enduring and disturbing legends, 'Kuchisake-onna', also known as 'the Slit-Mouthed Woman'.This tale of a disfigured woman who asks a chilling question has stalked schoolyards, late-night streets, and ...
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48:40
The Nain Rouge [Patreon Teaser]
A snippet of this weeks Patreon Exclusive chapter.Legends don’t always come from ancient times. Some are crafted more recently, shaped by communities, and kept alive because they say something important about the place they come f...
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1:41
Men in Black
As we begin Season V, we explore one of the most unnerving figures in modern folklore: the Men in Black.Join us as we trace the shadowy origins of these silent enforcers, following their evolution from early UFO encounters to government ...
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59:59
Season V Trailer
Season Five of Urban Legends begins 14th May.In this new series, we uncover the strange, the sinister, and the stories that refuse to die. From serpents and spirits to courtrooms and cryptids, each episode takes you deeper into th...
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0:40
Santa Stuck in Chimney [Patreon Bonus]
Modern Myths is a series running alongside Urban Legends; shorter chapters delving into smaller folkloric tales shared worldwide. To listen to our past episodes and to gain access to those coming on our next season, join us on Patreon by clicki...
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24:49
Krampus
Join us on a journey through centuries of tradition, mystery, and the darker side of the holiday season. Krampus, the horned and devilish counterpart to Santa Claus, has long been a figure of both fear and fascination. But what are the origins ...
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51:18
A Stranger Calls
In this chapter, we answer the chilling call of a legendary urban legend that has left us with frayed nerves for generations: the ominous words, "The call is coming from inside the house." Join us as we unravel the origins, eerie n...
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44:27
The Dead Boyfriend
In this harrowing chapter, we plunge into the chilling world of a spine-tingling urban legend that has fueled fear and fascination - the horrifying tale of 'The Dead Boyfriend' hanging above the car. Join us as we delve into the or...
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56:21
Kidney Theft
Join us as we dissect one of the most spine-tingling and enduring modern urban legends, 'Kidney Theft'. Let's delve into the chilling narratives, the origins, and the psychology behind this macabre tale of organ theft, exploring the...
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43:59
Killer in the Backseat
**Trigger Warning: This chapter involves references of Sexual Assault**Join us as we explore the origins, the harrowing variations, and the gripping psychology behind the 'Killer in the Backseat'. Let's uncover its roots in real-...
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28:08
Bloody Mary
Join us as we plunge into the realm of darkness and superstition to explore the enduring urban legend of 'Bloody Mary'. Peer through the looking glass into the chilling world of incantations, haunted mirrors, and the enigmatic figure who haunts...
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36:38
Aren't you glad you didn't turn on the lights?
Step into the dark, shadowy world of an eerie urban legend that has chilled many for years: 'Aren't You Glad You Didn't Turn on the Lights?'. Join us as we delve into the unnerving stories, spine-chilling variations, and enduring m...
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36:24
Folklore of Halloween [Patreon Bonus]
Modern Myths is a series running alongside Urban Legends; shorter chapters delving into smaller folkloric tales shared worldwide. To listen to our past episodes and to gain access to those coming on our next season, join us on Patreon by clicki...
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22:33
Poisoned Halloween Candy
**Trigger Warning: This chapter involves harm to children.**In this chapter, we unwrap a notorious urban legend that has cast a sinister shadow over Halloween for decades, 'Poisoned Candy'. Join us as we delve into t...
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33:08
Spring-Heeled Jack
Let's leap back in time to explore the enigmatic history of 'Spring-Heeled Jack' to unravel the astonishing tales, enduring mysteries, and fascinating legacy of one of the most bizarre and elusive figures in the annals of urban legend.
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39:08
The Vanishing Hitchhiker
Let’s unravel the curious stories, chilling encounters, and timeless mystery behind this age-old legend. We’ll venture deep into the heart of this legend, discovering its roots in folklore and how it has manifested in cultures worldwide, from s...
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52:57
Mothman
Let's soar through history to unravel the spine-tingling mysteries and explore the enduring fascination surrounding this enigmatic creature. We'll unravel the origins of this cryptid, delving into the eerie accounts of sightings that first grip...
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55:18
Killer in the Attic
Join us as we unravel the terrifying urban legends that have perpetuated through time, from whispered tales of secret rooms to the unsettling presence of uninvited guests concealed within the walls surrounding us.But the heart-pounding s...
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47:50