One common theme is revenge. Ghosts in Mesopotamian stories often return to seek vengeance for wrongs done to them during their lifetime. For example, if a person was unjustly killed, their ghost might haunt the killer or those related to the killer.
The connection between the living and the dead is also a significant theme. Mesopotamian ghost stories often show how the actions of the living can either appease or anger the ghosts, and how the ghosts can in turn influence the lives of the living, like causing misfortune if they are not respected or properly buried.
Another theme is the idea of unfinished business. Maybe a person died before they could complete an important task, like building a temple or fulfilling a vow. So their ghost lingers in the earthly realm until the task is somehow accomplished.
One common element is the presence of malevolent supernatural beings like demons and spirits. As I mentioned before, Lamashtu is a prime example. These beings often had grotesque appearances and were associated with causing harm to humans.
Often, the main characters are the ghosts themselves. These could be the spirits of former kings or warriors who had great power in life and still retain some influence as ghosts.
One common theme is the idea of unrequited love that persists even after death. For example, a ghost may be in love with someone who is alive and is trying to win their love. Another theme is the concept of sacrifice. The ghost might sacrifice their chance to move on to the afterlife for the sake of their love.
In slave ghost stories, the theme of lost identity can be seen. Since slaves were stripped of so much of their culture and individuality during life, their ghosts may be searching for that lost part of themselves. Another is the theme of connection. Their spirits might try to connect with the living descendants of slaves to pass on their stories and the strength they had. And the theme of the afterlife is present too, as it shows how their spirits exist in a different realm after death.
One common theme is the idea of an old, haunted place like an abandoned house or a dark alley. These places are often full of mystery and fear.
One common theme is revenge. Ghosts in Chinese ghost stories often come back to take revenge on those who wronged them during their lifetime. Another theme is love that transcends death. There are stories where the love between a human and a ghost persists despite the barriers. And also, moral lessons are common. For example, if someone is greedy or cruel, they may be haunted by ghosts as a form of punishment.
Some common themes in childhood ghost stories include apparitions. These can be in the form of a white figure or a shadowy shape that scares the characters in the story. Another is the presence of a curse. A place or a family might be under a curse, and the ghosts are part of that curse. And the theme of the otherworldly realm is also there. It gives the impression that there is a parallel world where ghosts exist and sometimes cross over into our world.
Well, a major theme is the idea of unfulfilled desires. Hungry ghosts are portrayed as having this intense longing for various things like food or worldly possessions. It's also common to see themes related to the supernatural and the afterlife. These stories might show how the actions in one's life can lead to becoming a hungry ghost in the afterlife. For example, if someone was extremely selfish or gluttonous during their life, they could end up as a hungry ghost.
Haunted places are really common. Old castles, dilapidated mansions, or creepy forests. Another theme is the presence of vengeful spirits. These are ghosts that have some unfinished business and are out to get revenge on the living.
The theme of lost love is also quite prevalent. A ghost may be lingering because of unfulfilled love or a broken promise. This can create a very emotional and poignant story. Also, there's the theme of the unknown and the fear it brings. The viewers are often left in suspense as the characters in the anime try to figure out the nature of the ghostly presence.