Answer :
Final answer:
Contemporary legends commonly involve claims of supernatural occurrences, which include events or situations supposedly caused by paranormal activities. These legends often reflect cultural anxieties and act as a form of communal storytelling that explains the unexplainable in the absence of scientific knowledge. Thus, the correct option is 2) Supernatural occurrences.
Explanation:
Contemporary legends typically involve claims of supernatural occurrences. These are narratives that are seen as believable and often thought to be true within the communities that share them, even though they might not be supported by historical evidence. These legends, which are also referred to as urban legends or modern myths, can encompass a wide range of subjects. However, they most commonly involve extraordinary events or situations that invoke a sense of mystery or fear, such as haunting, apparitions, or other paranormal activities.
Over time, as societies develop higher standards of critical thinking and a stronger understanding of natural laws through scientific advancement, the belief in the supernatural as an explanation for various phenomena tends to decrease. Nevertheless, some contemporary legends persist, embodying the fears and values of the society from which they originate. Legends and myths often provide insight into cultural anxieties and can act as cautionary tales or a means to explain the unexplainable before scientific understanding can provide a more concrete explanation.
An example of a supernatural explanation for an event in history is the alleged sighting of the mythical creature Mothman in the 1960s, which some believed to be a harbinger of disaster prior to the collapse of the Silver Bridge in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. These kinds of narratives reflect the tendency of humans to look for patterns or meanings in events, especially in times of crisis or uncertainty.
