Ghostly apparitions are also common. These can be in the form of figures in white robes or just shadowy shapes. They usually bring a sense of dread and mystery. The apparitions often seem to be tied to some past tragedy or injustice.
The cultural context makes Odia horror stories unique. They often incorporate elements from Odia folklore, which is rich in superstitions and beliefs. For example, the presence of local deities and spirits in the stories. These elements are specific to the Odia region and give the horror stories a distinct flavor compared to horror stories from other cultures.
One common theme is kindness. For example, in many stories, the characters show kindness to animals or other people and are rewarded for it. Another theme is the importance of hard work. Like the story of the poor boy who worked hard with the help of a magical pebble. Also, the theme of curiosity is often seen. Just as the girl who followed the falling star out of curiosity.
The cultural and religious beliefs in Odia society play a big role. For example, the presence of local deities and spirits. In Odia horror stories, there could be a spirit that is angered because a ritual has not been performed correctly. Another element is the rural and coastal settings. The thick forests, lonely beaches, and old villages create a spooky atmosphere. Also, the Odia language itself has a certain charm when it comes to narrating horror. The use of local idioms and expressions can add to the horror factor.
There is an Odia horror story set near a cemetery. In this story, a gravedigger noticed that every time he dug a new grave, the soil from the previous grave would shift slightly. One night, while he was still working late, he saw a shadowy hand emerging from one of the graves. He was so terrified that he dropped his tools and ran home. After that night, he refused to work at that cemetery ever again.
Isolation. Often, in IT horror stories, the characters are isolated. For example, a lone system administrator might be the only one in the server room when something strange starts to happen with the servers. Another common element is the loss of control. The technology that is supposed to be under human control suddenly starts acting on its own, like a self - driving car going berserk in an IT - related horror scenario.
Horror stories often feature a protagonist who is in over their head. They might start out as an ordinary person, like in 'Rosemary's Baby' where Rosemary is just a normal woman, but then they are thrust into a terrifying situation. Settings also play a big role. Abandoned asylums, cemeteries, and old mansions are common settings in horror stories as they have an air of mystery and danger already associated with them.
Fear of death is a big element in horror stories. The threat of death, whether it's from a serial killer or a supernatural force, is always present. Also, there's often a sense of helplessness. The characters find themselves in situations where they seem to have little control over what's happening to them. For instance, in 'The Blair Witch Project', the characters are lost in the woods and being hunted by an unknown entity. There's also the use of suspense. Writers build up the tension by delaying the reveal of the horror, making the readers or viewers more and more anxious as the story progresses.
One Odia horror story is about a haunted bungalow. There was an old, dilapidated bungalow on the outskirts of a village. People said that at night, strange noises would come from it. A young man, out of curiosity, decided to enter one night. As he stepped in, he felt a sudden chill. He heard the sound of chains dragging. In the dim light, he thought he saw a shadowy figure of a woman in a white saree with long, unkempt hair. He ran out as fast as he could, never to return again.
Common elements in diet horror stories include unrealistic goals. Many people aim to lose a huge amount of weight in a very short time. This leads them to choose very harsh diets. Also, ignoring the body's signals is a big part. They keep on with the diet even when they feel really unwell, like being constantly tired or having headaches, thinking it's just a phase.
One common element is financial exploitation. The findom often takes advantage of the submissive's willingness to give money, asking for more and more until it becomes unmanageable. Another is emotional abuse. They may use shame or guilt to make the person give more money. For example, making the payer feel like they are not good enough if they don't send a certain amount.