Supernatural beings such as witches play a role too. Their ability to manipulate nature and cause harm was a source of horror. Also, the desolate landscapes of the Viking lands, like cold islands and dark forests, often served as the backdrop for these horror stories, creating an atmosphere of isolation and danger.
Well, in viking ghost stories, a frequent element is the role of nature. For example, the sea and fog play important parts. Ghost ships are often seen in foggy conditions on the sea. It gives an eerie atmosphere. Another common thing is the idea of vengeance. If a viking was wronged in life, their ghost would seek revenge in the afterlife. And, of course, their religious beliefs also seep into the stories. The gods and their judgment seem to be in the background of many of these ghostly tales.
One common element is the presence of a brave Viking protagonist, like a warrior or an explorer. Another is the harsh environment, such as the cold seas or the frozen lands. Also, there's often a conflict, whether it's a battle with another tribe, a struggle against nature while on a voyage, or a fight for survival during a harsh winter.
Another element is the presence of brave heroes or heroines. These characters often face great challenges like fighting monsters or surviving in harsh conditions. For example, a Viking might have to battle a giant sea serpent. And also, magic and the supernatural play a role. There could be enchanted weapons or wise old seers who can predict the future in the stories.
One common theme is adventure. Vikings were known for their travels, so stories often involve their voyages to new lands. Another is heroism. The Viking heroes like Ragnar are depicted as fearless in battle.
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.
Voyages and exploration. Since Vikings were known for their travels, bedtime stories often include tales of sailing to new lands, facing the unknown, and the adventures that came with it. Also, the mention of their gods like Thor and Odin, and how they influenced the Vikings' lives, is quite common.
One Viking horror story is about the Draugr. These are undead Vikings who rise from their graves. They are often described as having superhuman strength and a thirst for blood. Sailors would be terrified of encountering a Draugr on a desolate island.
One interesting element is the Vikings' great voyages. Their longships allowed them to travel far and wide, reaching new lands. Another is their pantheon of gods like Odin, Thor and Loki. Odin was the all - knowing god, Thor was the god of thunder with his mighty hammer, and Loki was the trickster god, always causing mischief.