Best told on a moonlit night by the roar of an open fire, there is one class of off told tales with peculiar character that endures them today in a manner unlike any other. For this is the saga of ghosts, witches, devils and monsters, both of beast and man. Listeners are held spellbound in horror by the storyteller. Curiously, free to leave as they wish, the audience stands steadfast to the end. As if they are made prisoners to the chilling words brought to life in the unseen woods and glow of the crackling fire.

Human credence has often given way to odd idiosyncrasies known as “superstitions.” Through the ages, superstitions have varied widely. A sign which is said to be “lucky” or “unlucky” within one culture may be completely reversed in the next. As well, depending on the potential for harm to others, some superstitions may be call “prejudices.” or “delusions” should the harm they pose be directed at oneself. For the purposes of this collection, we have aimed to present those long-held notions that are, arguably, more curious rather than destructive.

The classic vampire of film and fiction pales in comparison to the much overlooked horror regarding the centuries-old superstition. Throughout much of history, it was not simply the vampire that held entire villages in a grip of fear but the appalling practices that were soon to follow. For it was not simply enough to rid the vampire but to cleanse one of the vampire’s curse. Such practices often involved not only the desecration of family graves but disturbing blood rituals. Indeed, so great was the fear of the undead.

The term “urban legend” was first introduce into the popular consciousness in the early eighties. It was coined to convey that not all folklore is antiquated nor do legends only spring from “primitive” cultures. Even in a bustling metropolis does the mystifying and fantastic make its home. For it is against a backdrop of the modern day, rather than some bygone era, do these tales take root. No more are the monsters lurking in the darkened wood but along Main Street. No longer do ghosts hide in old farmhouses but in plain view of passing cars. Gone is the tale handed down over the years, here is something that happened to “a friend of a friend.”