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How a Myth Comes Into Being
The transformation of an occurrence into a full-fledged urban myth is a story all unto itself. Like a huge, cultural game of telephone, the Urban Myth is usually the result of half-truths or complete exaggerations. But sometimes, the myth turns out to be true. Check out these classic examples of urban myths and learn how they came into being.
The Legend:
A couple is making out in a secluded area in a car. A news report comes on the radio that an escaped convict with a hook for a hand is on the loose nearby. The girl begins crying and insists that the boy take her home. The boy, frustrated, steps on the gas and drives her home. When he gets out of the car to open her door, he sees a bloody hook on her door handle.
February-May, 1946:
There was a series of Lovers Lane murders in Texarkana, a town on the border of Texas and Arkansas. A "Phantom Killer" attacked, raped, or killed several couples and was never caught. "The Hook" may have originated from real life news stories like these.
Mid-1950s:
The story became popular as a sexual cautionary tale to scare teens from making out, especially in isolated areas.
November 8, 1960:
"The Hook" appeared in a letter in a "Dear Abby" column, as follows:
"If you are interested in teenagers, you will print this story. I don't know whether it's true or not, but it doesn't matter because it served its purpose on me."
"A fellow and his date pulled into their favorite "lovers' lane" to listen to the radio and do a little necking. The music was interrupted by an announcer who said there was an escaped convict in the area who had served time for rape and robbery. He was described as having a hook instead of a right hand. The couple became frightened and drove away. When the boy took his girl home, he went around to open the car door for her. Then he saw -- a hook on the door handle! I don't think I will ever park to make out as long as I live. I hope this does the same for other kids."
The Aftermath:
"The Hook" has become one of the most popular urban legends of our time. It has appeared in numerous books and movies, including a collection of South African legends in 1990. The following are some of its famous appearances:
1979: Meatballs (myth parodied)
1981: Stephen King's Danse Macabre (myth mentioned)
1992: Candyman (mentioned)
1997: I Know What You Did Last Summer (mentioned)
1998: Urban Legend (mentioned)
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