Although the trend of ghost hunting only seems to have gained popularity in more modern times, the phenomena of ghosts, as well as the belief in their existence has been around since ancient times. Just like the belief in a higher power, the details may vary from culture to culture, but across all of them one thing remains consistent—the existence of a realm where the human … [Read more...] about Ghosts of the Ancient World
ghost lore
Phantom Hitchhikers and Vanishing Vagabonds
Phantom hitchhikers, or vanishing hitchhikers are most popular as an urban legend, or ghost story within the continental United States--typically a young woman stranded on the side of the road who desperately needs to get home. This original story based on the phantom hitchhiker legend is a typical account of what is to be expected if you were to pick her up on the side of the … [Read more...] about Phantom Hitchhikers and Vanishing Vagabonds
The Tale of the Red Skeleton: A Yup’ik Ghost Story
Like many other folktales of the arctic region, Yup’ik folklore emphasized keeping children safe from the elements and the dangers of being alone and ill-prepared. This folktale is no different, but it definitely gave me goosebumps the first time I heard it over an early-winter bonfire. Photography by Jayberrytech A very long time ago, in the Cape Prince of Wales, in a … [Read more...] about The Tale of the Red Skeleton: A Yup’ik Ghost Story
Ghost Stories Thrive in a World of Skepticism
Within the paranormal community, there are always going to be skeptics, but some of those skeptics actually err on the side of disbelievers—this is a good thing, it’s always better to have a healthy level of doubt in order to pursue evidence without any bias. There have been numerous theories to explain the paranormal phenomena that affect certain people, including but not … [Read more...] about Ghost Stories Thrive in a World of Skepticism
Ghost Tales of the Arctic: Don’t Take What Belongs to the Dead
While attending college in the Interior of Alaska, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, I was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Yup’ik—a Central Alaska Native language—on Halloween of my second year, my professor deemed it appropriate to tell us Alaska Native ghost stories. Hearing these stories in Yup’ik gave unique perspective on the particular experience of growing up in … [Read more...] about Ghost Tales of the Arctic: Don’t Take What Belongs to the Dead