A mythical creature

1. A mythical creature

The Slenderman

2. Slenderman: History, Myths, and Cultural Impact

Slenderman (also known as the Thin Man or Slender Man) is a fictional
character created in 2009 on the Something Awful internet forum as part of a
paranormal image contest. The character was created by Erik Knudsen (alias
Victor Surge). Slenderman quickly became an internet meme and the subject
of numerous stories, games, and films

3. Origin and distribution

The character appeared on June 10, 2009, when Victor Surge posted photo
montages of a "haunting" children creature. Forum users began to add to the
story with their own stories and art. The myth quickly spread beyond the
forum, becoming the first full-fledged urban legend created on the Internet

4. Appearance and features

Slenderman is depicted as a very tall, thin man with unnaturally long limbs,
without a face or head (a white smooth surface), dressed in a strict black
suit. Sometimes he has flexible tentacles on his back. His main feature is the
absolute lack of a face and the uncertainty of intentions

5. Abilities and behavior

Slenderman is credited with telepathy, the ability to erase memories,
manipulate people, teleport, and extend his limbs. He often appears in
forests and abandoned buildings, usually just standing in the distance without
showing any aggression. His main "function" is to kidnap children, who are
never seen again

6. Slenderman in popular culture

The character has become a hero of web series (such as Marble Hornets),
computer games (Slender: The Eight Pages, Slender: The Arrival), horror
films, and many fan arts. His image has inspired cosplayers and writers around
the world

7. Real crimes and influence on people

In 2014, in the USA, two schoolgirls committed an attack on a classmate,
explaining it by the desire to “earn” the Slenderman’s favor. There were
other cases of attacks and suicides associated with the influence of stories
about the Thin Man. This caused a public outcry and discussion about the
influence of Internet horror stories on teenagers

8. Conclusion

Slenderman is a unique phenomenon of modern culture: a completely
fictional character that has become an urban legend of the Internet. His story
shows how the internet can create new myths and influence mass
consciousness, and highlights the importance of critical thinking when dealing
with horror stories and urban legends