Vengeful ghost

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Kwade gedachten veranderden Raigo van de Miidera tempel in een rat.-Rijksmuseum RP-P-1984-36

Vengeful Ghost

A vengeful ghost is a type of ghost that is believed to be motivated by a desire for revenge or retribution. In various cultures and folklore around the world, vengeful ghosts are often depicted as spirits of individuals who have died under traumatic or unjust circumstances and seek to harm or torment the living as a form of retaliation.

Characteristics

Vengeful ghosts are typically portrayed as malevolent entities that harbor intense anger, resentment, or unfinished business from their past lives. They are often depicted as appearing in a spectral form, with a pale or disfigured visage, and are said to haunt specific locations associated with their untimely demise or the source of their grievances.

Legends and Folklore

Stories of vengeful ghosts can be found in folklore and mythology from various cultures, including Japanese mythology, Chinese folklore, and European folklore. These tales often serve as cautionary narratives, warning individuals about the consequences of unresolved grudges or injustices.

In Japanese folklore, the concept of the yurei represents vengeful spirits who return from the afterlife seeking vengeance or seeking to fulfill a specific purpose. Similarly, in Chinese folklore, tales of vengeful ghosts known as hungry ghosts are prevalent, depicting spirits who are driven by unfulfilled desires or grievances.

Cultural Depictions

Vengeful ghosts have been a popular theme in literature, film, and other forms of media. Works such as Shakespeare's Hamlet and films like The Grudge and The Ring have prominently featured vengeful spirits as central characters, adding to the enduring fascination with these supernatural entities.

Protection and Prevention

Various cultures have developed rituals, talismans, and practices aimed at protecting individuals from vengeful ghosts or appeasing their restless spirits. These may include offerings of food, prayers, exorcisms, or the use of protective charms and amulets.

See also

• Ghost
• Yurei
• Hungry ghost
• Japanese mythology
• Chinese folklore
• European folklore