In small towns across the country, local legend is a shared identity that shapes cultural heritage and provides a sense of belonging. They’re the stories passed down through generations that encapsulate values, beliefs, and historical experiences unique to specific communities. These myths serve to explain natural phenomena, provide moral lessons, and foster social cohesion.

The story of Huggin’ Molly in Abbeville, North Carolina, is a classic example. She’s a frightful creature who’s said to appear to children who stay out late at night. Though her intention isn’t to harm, she does grip lingerers tight and scream in their ears to scare them. Apparently, she has a thing for dogs.

A local legend in Brooklyn, New York, is a rock in Green-Wood Cemetery where a Black man duelled with the Devil in an attempt to save his slaves. He lost and stomped his foot on the rock in anger, leaving behind a hoofprint. The hoofprint is still there today and can be seen by visitors.

A modern genre of folklore, urban legends often feature macabre or scary elements. Typically, they’re based on real events that have been given a more dramatic or frightful interpretation over time. They are also a popular form of entertainment and semi-serious explanations for mysterious events, such as disappearances or strange objects.