The Writing Post

Reading, Writing, and Reciprocity

The Real Identity of Alexandre Dumas’s The Man in the Iron Mask

The man in the iron mask, imprisoned under Louis XIV, remains a historical mystery, surrounded by speculation about his true identity.

The Ferocious Ogres of Folklore and Myth

Ogres of folklore and myth are often giant monsters that consume anything and everything. Depending on the source, ogres represent the worst in all of mankind.

Spring-Heeled Jack: Folklore and the Supernatural

Londoners whispered his name in fear—Spring-Heeled Jack, the leaping terror of the night. Descriptions varied: a fiend with glowing red eyes, razor-sharp claws, and a chilling metallic laugh. While less notable now, Spring-Heeled Jack was a ferocious force to be reckoned with in Victorian England.

Jack-o-Lanterns, Folklore, and the Devil

Jack-o’-lanterns originated from Irish folklore and symbolize meanings beyond simple festive decorations. Historically, they embody haunting traditions and connections to Halloween’s spooky lore.

Was Halloween Built on Sacrifice? The Truth Behind Samhain

Halloween folklore stretches back to early civilizations, and allegations of human sacrifice have stretched back just as far. As such, parsing fact and fiction can be difficult. Was there actually human and animal sacrifice? Or, was it all just a myth?

The Violent Crimes of the Werewolf of Bedburg

In 1589, the town of Bedburg, Germany, was gripped by terror. Livestock and villagers alike were found mutilated, their deaths blamed on a monstrous werewolf. When authorities finally captured Peter Stumpp, they uncovered a story even more horrifying.

The Boggart, Folklore’s Little Prankster

What is a boggart? In this post, we discuss the magical, strange (sometimes angry) Boggart that appears in English folklore.

Wendigo Analysis: Origin, Description, and Symbolism

A chilling exploration of the Wendigo: a winter-born, cannibalistic spirit from Algonquian folklore, symbolizing insatiable greed, moral decay, and survival in extreme conditions.

Ghost Lake: The South Manitou Island Lighthouse Hauntings

Michigan’s lighthouses, particularly South Manitou, are steeped in haunting folklore and tragic history.

The Haunted Song of Bete Grise: Legends of the Singing Sands

The Singing Sands of Bete Grise are linked to a sorrowful Native American tale of a woman grieving her drowned lover. The unique sands create musical sounds due to specific grain characteristics, attracting visitors annually.