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Will-o'-the-Wisp
Mysterious ghost lights that float over marshes and bogs at night. Follow them and you'll be led to your doom—into swamps, off cliffs, or into fairy realms. The spirits of the dead, luring the living.
Ancient - Present
Worldwide
5000+ witnesses
Will-o’-the-Wisp (also ignis fatuus) is a phenomenon of mysterious lights seen over marshes and swamps.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
Will-o’-the-Wisp:
- Appears as ghostly lights
- Floats over bogs and marshes
- Retreats when approached
- Leads travelers astray
- Causes them to drown or become lost
Names Worldwide
Known by many names:
- Ignis fatuus (foolish fire)
- Jack-o’-lantern
- Corpse candles (Wales)
- Hinkypunk (West Country)
- Spook-lights (Americas)
The Phenomenon
The lights:
- Glow blue, green, or yellow
- Hover above the ground
- Move when followed
- Appear at night
- Vanish suddenly
Folklore Explanations
Various cultures believed them to be:
- Souls of the unbaptized dead
- Fairies playing tricks
- Spirits guarding treasure
- The Devil leading souls to Hell
- Ghosts of those who died in bogs
Scientific Explanations
Modern theories suggest:
- Marsh gas (methane) ignition
- Bioluminescence
- Phosphorescence
- Oxidation of phosphine gases
- Ball lightning
Famous Accounts
Notable sightings:
- Marfa Lights, Texas
- Brown Mountain Lights, North Carolina
- Min Min lights, Australia
- Aleya lights, Bengal
- Countless marsh sightings