The alligator story is one of many modern folktales (frequently with an ironic or horrific twist) that are retold as true, with embellishments to make them seem plausible. They appear in varying forms in different parts of the world and, like many stories, travel rapidly on the grapevine. Certain modern folktales have become classics.

It was to be the greatest journalistic scoop of all time and would give an unparalleled insight into the mind of the German dictator. Historians, former Nazis, and newspaperman expressed grave doubts the authenticity of documents, but Stern remained adamant that they were genuine. Then, on May 5, West German Forensic scientist announced that the precious manuscripts had failed their tests. The 62 volumes of Hitler’s diaries were fakes..