Second Sight (vue) is the belief, especially in Scottish and Breton folklore, that certain individuals possess the ability to foresee the future or perceive distant events through a supernatural sense. In Scotland, this is often called an dà shealladh. The phenomenon is associated with prophecy, warnings of death, or other significant occurrences. Similar traditions of … Read more
The Vrykolakas (Βρυκόλακας) is a revenant or undead figure in Greek and Balkan folklore. Descriptions vary, but the vrykolakas is often associated with vampires and believed to rise from the grave to torment the living, sometimes due to improper burial or excommunication. The term is sometimes conflated with vampires in Western tradition, though the vrykolakas … Read more
Vouivre is a mythical creature from French folklore, particularly in the Jura and Franche-Comté regions. It is often described as a dragon or serpent with a precious stone or jewel (sometimes a carbuncle) on its forehead. The Vouivre is associated with rivers, caves, and treasures, and is sometimes considered a guardian spirit. The name derives … Read more
Veil (in Jewish modern tradition) refers to the belief that covering one’s face with a veil prevents a ghost (dybbuk or ruach) from recognizing the individual who fears it. However, it is held that if God judges the person as deserving punishment due to sins, the veil or mask will fall, allowing the ghost to … Read more
Voceratrice (voceratrici, Corsican; buccratrici) refers to women in Corsica who perform ritual lamentations (vocero, buceru, buceratu) in the Corsican dialect after a death, especially in cases of murder. Traditionally, the body of the deceased is placed on a table, and female relatives, friends, or women renowned for their poetic ability improvise and recite verses in … Read more
Tylwyth Teg (Welsh for ‘the Fair Folk’) refers to a group of small fairies in Welsh folklore. They are said to visit farms at night, performing helpful tasks in well-ordered households. Their opposites, the Ellyllon, are mischievous goblins who cause trouble in untidy homes or for lazy servants. Stories about the Tylwyth Teg are widespread … Read more
Trows are supernatural beings in Shetland folklore. Believed to inhabit the interior of hills and caverns, trows are skilled metalworkers, particularly with iron and precious metals. Their characteristics are similar to other European mining spirits and subterranean entities, such as dwarves and knockers. Trows are considered capable of influencing luck, especially for miners and metalworkers, … Read more
Trolds are small Danish supernatural beings described as always dressed in grey with red caps. They fall within the category of house spirits or nature sprites in Danish folklore. Such beings are often compared to elves, goblins, or brownies in other European traditions. They are not considered inherently malevolent but are believed to interact with … Read more
Recruiters of Satan refer to individuals who engage in pacts with the devil, committing to bring forth new recruits to demonic causes. This concept is prevalent in various secret societies and occult traditions, where such individuals are believed to perpetuate malevolent influences within communities. The notion underscores themes of temptation, corruption, and the struggle between … Read more
Aboyeurs Phenomenon refers to a mysterious and rare condition characterized by individuals involuntarily producing sounds resembling dog-like barking. The term, derived from the French word aboyer (to bark), has been most frequently associated with occurrences in Brittany, France, particularly during the 19th century. Reports of this phenomenon often described it as sudden and uncontrollable, with … Read more