Did you hear about... the urban legends that won't die

Most of us have told stories to the tune of “Well, my mum’s cousin’s best friend says [insert tale here] happened...” without having any first hand knowledge of the story we’re telling.

Urban myths or legends are by definition stories or facts which are repeated as true by people unfamiliar with their origins. By the time such tales have travelled by mouth across geography and generation the stories are often either so remarkable or so absurdly exaggerated that they have indeed become myth.

Whether they involve ghosts, organ theft or murderous intrigue, these stories are all related by a faint sensation when listening to them that you’ve heard them before somewhere.

There are huge variations across culture and different generations. Such stories now circulate via email and chat rooms as well as in the playground, workplace and at home.

Click the image on the right to view my pick of the thirteen best urban legends.

Please leave your comments and your own urban legends below.