1.
strange tale; unusual story; curious report
A story about something strange or extraordinary, especially supernatural or mysterious events.
2.
variant account; alternative version
A different version or differing account of a known story or historical event.
Forms
異 (different, strange) + 聞 (hearing, report).
Usage
A literary word often found in book titles, folklore collections, and historical writing. Sense 1 emphasizes the strangeness of the story, while sense 2 emphasizes that the account differs from the standard version. Frequently appears in titles of games, manga, and novels (e.g., 〇〇異聞).