Abstract

In this website, we take a dive into the urban legend of Mothman. We will first begin by defining what folklore is, and then introduce the concept of the urban legend, all according to folklorists. After that we will explore the Mothman legend, including where he is thought to reside and when sightings of him began. We will also cover the firsthand accounts of Mothman that have been officially documented. We will then witness how deeply Mothman has impacted his believers, as well as the town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia. We will then touch on the topics of cryptozoology and how Mothman fits into it. And lastly, we will see how scholars weigh in on the question of Mothman's existence.