One common theme is revenge. Many Portuguese ghost stories feature a ghost that is seeking revenge for some wrong done to them in life. Another theme is lost love. For example, the ghosts might be pining for a lost lover. Also, there is often a sense of justice in the stories, where the ghost is there to right a wrong that was never corrected during their lifetime.
One common element is the connection to historical events or places. For example, many stories are set in old castles, mansions or lighthouses that have a long history. Another element is the presence of strong emotions like love, revenge or guilt. In the story of the 'Moorish Girl of Óbidos', love was the driving force, and her death led to her haunting. Revenge is also common, like in the case of the haunted mansion where the cruel nobleman's deeds came back to haunt the place. And often, there's a sense of mystery and the unknown, with things like strange lights and unexplained sounds being part of the tales.
Generosity is also a theme. There are stories of people sharing their food and resources during Christmas time, much like the idea of giving presents today. For example, in some tales, poor families are helped by their neighbors during the Christmas season. And magic is a theme too. The idea that Christmas Eve is a magical time when animals can talk or there are special signs in the sky is common in Portuguese Christmas stories.
The themes of ghost stories can include lost love. A ghost might be lingering because of unfulfilled love or a broken heart. Haunted places are another theme. Abandoned houses, old castles, or desolate cemeteries are often settings in ghost stories. And then there's the theme of the afterlife. Ghost stories sometimes explore what might happen after death, whether it's a peaceful transition or a state of unrest.
One famous Portuguese ghost story is about 'The Weeping Woman' in Lisbon. Legend has it that a woman lost her child and now wanders the streets crying at night. Another is the story of the 'Ghost of the Castle'. In some old castles in Portugal, there are tales of a ghostly figure that haunts the towers. There's also the story of the haunted monastery where strange noises and apparitions have been reported by locals.
One common theme is the fear factor. Ghosts often represent the unknown and the things that go bump in the night, which scares people. Another theme could be the idea of unfinished business. In many ghost stories, the ghosts are there because they have something left undone in their lives. And also, the concept of the afterlife is often explored. Whether it's a heaven - or - hell type of afterlife or just a state of being in between, ghost stories can give different perspectives on that.
One Portuguese ghost story is about the 'Moorish Girl of Óbidos'. Legend has it that in Óbidos, a Moorish girl fell in love with a Christian knight. But their love was forbidden due to the religious and cultural differences at that time. When the town was under siege, the girl climbed the walls to look for her beloved knight. She was shot by an arrow and died. Her ghost is said to still haunt the walls of Óbidos, especially on moonlit nights. People sometimes claim to see a figure in Moorish dress wandering along the ancient battlements.
One common theme is the connection between the living and the dead. Zuni ghost stories often show how the spirits of the dead can interact with the living world.
One common theme is revenge. The ghost who committed suicide may seek revenge on those who wronged them in life. Another is regret, where the ghost is haunted by the act of suicide and tries to convey a message. And there's often a sense of isolation and loneliness associated with the ghost.
Isolation is a common theme too. Many ghost stories are set in remote places like old mansions or abandoned villages. This isolation amplifies the fear factor. For instance, in 'The Haunting of Hill House', the characters are cut off from the outside world in this spooky house, and the presence of the ghosts becomes even more terrifying in this isolated setting.
Another theme is the protection of a certain place. For example, there are stories where the ghost of an ancestor guards a family's ancestral home or a holy site. These ghosts are often seen as benevolent protectors rather than malevolent spirits. They will only cause harm to those who try to desecrate the place. And the element of mystery also runs through many stories. The ghosts often appear in strange and unexplainable ways, like vanishing into thin air or passing through solid objects, which adds to the overall sense of mystery and intrigue in Moroccan ghost stories.