Urban legends may not always have factual evidence, but they are stories that can leave a lasting impression on our minds and sometimes even induce terror. This article highlights ten urban legends that are sure to give chills down your spine. From the classic “Bloody Mary,” where one may summon a ghostly figure by saying her name three times in the mirror, to the terrfying “Babysitter and the Man Upstairs,” recounting a babysitter being stalked by a mysterious caller, these legends never fail to send shivers down the readers’ spines. These spooky stories are just a few examples of the many urban legends that exist around the world.
10 Spooky Urban Legends That Will Give You Chills
Urban legends are, by definition, stories passed around that are told as if they are true, but often the facts can be disputed. Nonetheless, these stories can be pretty terrifying and can stick with us long after we hear them. Here are ten urban legends that are sure to give you chills.
1. The Vanishing Hitchhiker
This urban legend has been around for many years. The story goes that a driver picks up a hitchhiker in the middle of the night, often on a deserted road. The driver gives the hitchhiker a ride and has a conversation, only to realize suddenly that the hitchhiker has vanished from the car, leaving behind no trace. Some versions of this story say that the hitchhiker was a ghost who died in an accident on that road.
2. Bloody Mary
You’ve probably heard this one before. The story goes that if you stand in front of a mirror in a dark room, say “Bloody Mary” three times, and spin around, a ghostly figure of Mary will appear in the mirror and try to harm you. Some versions of this story say that Mary was a witch who was burned at the stake, while others say she was a woman who was killed by her husband.
3. The Babysitter and the Man Upstairs
In this story, a babysitter is home alone with the children she’s babysitting when she starts receiving scary phone calls. The caller says he’s watching the babysitter and her charges, and he’s coming for them. The babysitter eventually realizes that the calls are coming from inside the house and that the man is upstairs, which leads to a terrifying confrontation.
4. The Hook
In this tale, a couple is making out in a car when they hear a news report about an escaped convict. The man in the story gets spooked and decides to take his date home, only to discover a hook hanging from the car door handle when they get out. The couple is horrified to realize that the escaped convict was in the backseat and was stopped from attacking them by the sound of the hook scraping against the car door.
5. The Devil’s Footprints
In the winter of 1855 in England, a series of hoof-like tracks appeared in the snow that were believed to be made by the devil. The tracks went across roofs, rivers, and even down narrow alleyways where no animal could have traveled. The tracks were never explained, and the legend of the devil’s footprints lives on.
6. The Black-Eyed Children
This urban legend goes that if you’re home alone at night and hear a knock on the door, when you open it, there will be children on your doorstep. But these children are different, with completely black eyes and a strange, unsettling energy. Those who have had encounters with the black-eyed children report feeling intense fear and unease.
7. The Ghost of Resurrection Cemetery
This urban legend from Chicago tells the story of a young woman who was killed in a car accident and buried in Resurrection Cemetery. Locals believe that her ghost, dressed in a white dress, can be seen walking along the road near the cemetery late at night. Some have also reported experiencing strange occurrences while driving near the cemetery, such as their car stalling or the radio suddenly changing stations.
8. The Disembodied Voice
This story goes that late at night, while driving through a deserted stretch of road, a driver hears a voice coming from behind them saying, “I’m right behind you.” The driver turns to see who’s there but finds no one in the car with them. The eerie voice continues speaking, and the driver feels a sense of intense fear.
9. The Ghost of La Llorona
This urban legend from Mexico tells the story of a woman who drowned her children in a river after being spurned by her lover. The woman’s ghost, known as La Llorona, is said to wander the riverbank at night, crying out for her lost children. Some believe that if you hear her cries, it’s a warning of impending death.
10. The Goatman
This story originated in Maryland and tells the tale of a scientist who was experimenting on goats to create a half-man, half-goat hybrid. However, the experiment went horribly wrong, and the goatman was created. The goatman terrorizes people in the area, and some say that if you encounter him, your fate will be sealed.
In Conclusion
These are just ten of the many urban legends that exist around the world. While some may be more believable than others, the fear they can evoke is very real. Just remember, when you hear a strange noise late at night, it’s probably just the wind… probably.