Kafka's short stories are often obscure. For instance, 'A Hunger Artist'. It's about a man who starves himself for public entertainment. Kafka's works are full of symbolism and complex themes that can be difficult to fully understand at first, which is why they are often seen as obscure.
One example could be 'The Tale of the Lonely Lantern'. It's about a lantern that wanders through an old, forgotten forest at night, meeting strange creatures along the way. Another might be 'The Mystery of the Moonlit Cottage', where a child discovers a cottage that only appears on moonlit nights and the secrets it holds inside.
One example is 'The Saragossa Manuscript' by Jan Potocki. It weaves together multiple complex and mysterious stories set in different historical periods. Another is 'At Swim - Two - Birds' by Flann O'Brien which plays with Irish history and mythology in an unconventional way. And 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco combines medieval history and a detective - like plot in an obscure yet fascinating manner.
There is also 'The Velveteen Rabbit' which was a bit obscure for a long time but has now gained more popularity. It tells a heartwarming story of a toy rabbit becoming real through love. The story has deep themes about love, identity, and growing up that make it special among children's stories.
Well, there's the Phantom Stranger. His origin story is full of mystery. He seems to be an otherworldly being, but the exact details of how he came to be are very much in the shadows. There are also hints of some kind of cosmic or divine purpose to his existence, which makes it all the more obscure. Then there's Mister Miracle. His origin ties in with the Fourth World of Jack Kirby's creation. It's not as well - known as Superman's origin, for instance. He comes from a world of gods and war and has to escape to Earth, but the whole concept of the Fourth World and his place in it is quite complex and obscure.
An example is 'Gormenghast' by Mervyn Peake. It's set in a strange, decaying castle with a highly detailed and idiosyncratic world - building. The story and characters are often quite complex and not as well - known as more mainstream works. Also, the works of Angela Carter, like 'The Bloody Chamber', while not entirely obscure, have elements of the strange and off - beat that can put them in the realm of obscure fiction for some readers.
In some obscure Christmas short stories, a common theme is redemption. For example, in stories where a character has done wrong things but then finds a way to make amends during the Christmas season. Another theme is the importance of family. Like in stories set in small towns where families come together for Christmas and the bonds are strengthened. Also, there's the theme of hope. In the midst of a cold and difficult Christmas, characters often find hope in small things like a kind gesture or a simple gift.
Some obscure science fiction works include 'The Stars My Destination' by Alfred Bester. It has a very unique take on teleportation and a rather gritty, noir - like atmosphere. 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin is not as well - known as some of her other works in certain circles, but it explores fascinating ideas about gender in a science - fictional context. Also, 'Nova' by Samuel R. Delany is an underrated work that delves into themes like space exploration and artificial intelligence.
One example is 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' by Ambrose Bierce. The story seems to end where it begins, with the main character about to be hanged. Another is 'The Circular Ruins' by Jorge Luis Borges, which has a circular structure with the main character creating a man in his dreams, only to later discover he might be a creation himself. Also, 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry can be seen as circular in a sense. The couple sacrifices their most precious possessions for each other, but in the end, they are right back to a place of mutual love and selflessness, as if the cycle of giving and sacrifice is complete.
One example is 'The Three Little Pigs'. It's a short and engaging story about three pigs building houses and outsmarting the big bad wolf. Another is 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears', which is about a girl who enters the bears' house and tries their things. 'Little Red Riding Hood' is also a great short bedtime story.
One example is 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry. It's a very thoughtful story about a young couple who are poor but deeply in love. They each sacrifice their most precious possession to buy a gift for the other, showing the selfless nature of love.