Fakelore
Fakelore is a term used in folklore studies to describe material that is presented as genuine traditional folklore but is created or heavily shaped in modern times by authors, publishers, marketers, or political movements. Unlike authentic folklore, which arises through long-standing oral transmission within communities, fakelore often has a traceable origin in print, film, or other media and is marketed or framed as ancient or customary.
It mimics the shape of traditional lore—folk tales, songs, proverbs, myths, rituals, or place-based legends—complete with
Origins and spread of fakelore can be deliberate fabrication or the result of reinterpretation or repackaging
Impact and reception of fakelore are debated within scholarship. Critics argue that fakelore can misrepresent living
Related terms include urban legends, pseudo-history, and heritage branding. Fakelore highlights tensions between authenticity, authorship, and