Urban Legends Focus of Newfoundland Conference

The 21st annual Perspectives on Contemporary Legend International Conference got underway today at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College in Corner Brook, Newfoundland with renowned folklorists discussing topics ranging from sick-and-dying-child chain letters to photographic urban legends. Tall tales though they may be, it's important to understand urban legends because they're barometers of the social and political events of the time, attendee Professor Philip Hiscock explained to the Canadian Press. The conference, which will feature talks by Jan Harold Brunvand and Bill Ellis, among others, continues through June 28.