Summary:
In the Vanishing Hitchhiker it discusses how urban legends formed through tradition. It then discussed that legends are able to hold up for years if they contain story appeal, foundation in actual belief, and a meaning or moral. Legends are heard as if they were news. People listen to them and take them into account because it is an “exciting” story. Legends typically form two variations. One of them being that the storyline is based upon the setting and situation while a second type is based on the introduction of new characters, plots, or objects. In general legends are believable due to the fact that they are exciting and mind-bottling but also have real circumstances involved. The reason for legends is to one excite people and two make them think about there decisions.

Analysis:
I believe that this article is very true in its content. I agree that legends are fun to here and they usually do have a useful message to go with them. I personally do not believe in ghosts or strange creatures who kill people but I do think each of those stories has a lesson. Numerous legends have the same or similar messages, but they are fun to hear about. I feel as if many legends have changed how they were written as the years have gone on.