Saucers and the Sacred: The Folklore of UFO Narratives

This academic thesis, authored by Preston C. Copeland at Utah State University in 2012, examines UFO abduction narratives through the lens of folklore and religious studies. The author argues that these accounts are not merely science fiction but are structured, traditional narratives that mirror historical supernatural assault traditions, such as the 'Old Hag' phenomenon or encounters with fairies. By applying Arnold van Gennep’s tripartite model of rites of passage—separation, liminality, and reincorporation—Copeland analyzes how abductees process their experiences. The separation phase is often triggered by personal trauma or crisis, while the abduction itself represents a liminal state of vulnerability and ontological limbo. Reincorporation is achieved through 'rational liminality,' where the abductee interprets the experience in a way that allows them to return to social normalcy, often through support groups, self-narration, or by imbuing the experience with religious meaning. The thesis highlights how modern UFO lore has replaced traditional religious figures like angels and demons with extraterrestrials, fulfilling a human need for the sacred in a technological age. The author discusses various case studies, including the Pascagoula incident, the Betty and Barney Hill case, and the writings of Whitley Strieber, to demonstrate the consistency of these narrative motifs. Furthermore, the document explores the role of tabloids and media in disseminating these legends, arguing that they serve as a valuable source for folklorists studying contemporary belief systems. The thesis concludes that UFO narratives are deeply rooted in cultural context and that future research should focus on the networks and philosophical implications of these stories to better understand the human experience.