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.
Viking ghost stories often have elements of the supernatural that are related to their own cultural beliefs. For instance, the presence of magical weapons or amulets. A ghost might be bound to a particular weapon or amulet left in its tomb. There is also the theme of fate. Just as vikings believed in a pre - determined fate in life, the ghosts in the stories also seem to be following a certain path in the afterlife. And the concept of the spirit world being intertwined with the physical world is common. Ghosts can interact with the living, cross over from their world to ours, and vice versa, which makes for some truly spooky tales.
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.
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.
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.
Survival is also a big theme. These boys had to endure the harsh Viking lifestyle, cold climates, and difficult working conditions. They had to find ways to stay alive, whether it was by getting enough food in the meager rations they were given or protecting themselves from the elements. For example, they might have to learn how to make warm clothing from the furs available. Another theme is cultural adaptation. The slave boys were exposed to a completely different culture. They had to learn the Viking language, their religious beliefs (to an extent), and their social hierarchies. This adaptation was crucial for their survival and in some cases, for their upward mobility within the Viking community.
One common theme is adventure. Vikings were known for their long voyages, so many viking fictions focus on their travels to new lands.
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.
Well, Sicilian ghost stories usually have a strong connection to the local culture and history. The ghosts are often the result of some past misdeed. For instance, in many stories, a character's greed or jealousy led to their downfall and now they haunt a place. And, the natural environment of Sicily, like the rocky coasts or the ancient forests, also plays a role. It adds to the spooky atmosphere, making the stories more believable.
One common element is the sense of unfinished business. The soldier ghosts often seem to be still tied to the place where they died, like they have something left to do. For example, still guarding a strategic point.