Between myths and tracks: a dive into the plots of the popular imaginary and the urban legends of Paraná - the case of the “Bride's Turn”

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the legend of Curva da Noiva (Bride’s Turn), located in Ivatuba – Paraná, Brazil – from the perspective of collective memory and the popular imaginary, understanding its role in the construction of local cultural identity. Based on the hypothesis that mythical narratives are not merely supernatural accounts but symbolic expressions of values, fears, and social dynamics, the study investigates how this legend became established and remains alive within the community. The theoretical framework is based on the concepts of collective memory, by Maurice Halbwachs (1990), and collective imaginary, by Gilbert Durand (2001), to explain the transmission and reinterpretation of the legend over time. Additionally, the studies of Roger Chartier (2002) on cultural representations and Ed Carlos da Silva (2009) on the role of media in perpetuating popular beliefs are used. The methodology combines documentary research, including the collection of written and audiovisual sources about the legend, and oral history, through interviews conducted with residents of Ivatuba. This cross-referencing of sources allows for an understanding of how different generations interpret and reproduce the narrative, reinforcing its presence in the local imaginary.