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Journal Cover
  • UFO Abduction Reports: The Supernatural Kidnap Narrative Returns in Technological Guise
  • Thomas E. Bullard
  • The Journal of American Folklore, Vol. 102, No. 404 (Apr. - Jun., 1989), pp. 147-170   (article consists of 24 pages)
  • Published by: University of Illinois Press on behalf of American Folklore Society
UFO Abduction Reports: The Supernatural Kidnap Narrative Returns in Technological Guise

UFO Abduction Reports: The Supernatural Kidnap Narrative Returns in Technological Guise, by Thomas E. Bullard © 1989 American Folklore Society.

Abstract

First-person reports of abductions by UFO occupants have grown in number during the past few years, and constitute an unusually well-structured legend type. These accounts share many motifs with legends of supernatural encounters and otherworldly journeys, but reconcile the fantastic elements with a supposedly alien technology to settle comfortably among the rest of UFO lore. Abductions update the content of supernatural kidnap traditions and assume their function.