Will-o’-the-wisp

Will-o’-the-wisp or feux follets are phosphorescent lights observed over marshes, often explained scientifically as ignited gas emissions but traditionally considered the work of mischievous spirits. In folklore, these lights were believed to mislead travelers toward dangerous areas such as cliffs or bogs. Historical accounts, such as those cited by Olaùs Magnus, recount dense regions illuminated by these lights where vegetation could not grow. Among Russian and Polish traditions, these lights were seen as the souls of the dead. Anecdotal stories from regions like Scotland describe encounters with will-o’-the-wisp figures appearing as women with children, offering eerie hospitality. Such phenomena are embedded in the cultural and mythological history of various communities, reflecting their interpretation of unexplained natural events.