Alan Dundes was an American folklorist and educator, born on September 8, 1934 in New York. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Yale University and his doctorate in folklore from Indiana University. Dundes was a professor of anthropology and folklore at the University of California, Berkeley, where he taught for over four decades. He was known for his extensive research on various aspects of folklore, including myths, legends, jokes, and folk customs. Dundes authored numerous books and articles, making significant contributions to the field of folklore studies. He was considered one of the leading figures in American folklore and was known for his insightful interpretations and analysis of folk motifs and symbols. Alan Dundes passed away on March 30, 2005, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field of folklore and popular culture studies.