Nature also features prominently. Things like the sea, forests, and lagoons are often the settings for these stories. The power of nature is respected, and when humans cross the line, it can lead to scary encounters. For instance, disrespecting the sea can anger the shark god in some stories.
One common element is the presence of spirits. In Fijian culture, there are many types of spirits, and they often play a role in scary stories. For example, ancestral spirits can be either benevolent or malevolent depending on how people behave.
The legend of the Vueti is also quite famous. Vueti was a spirit that was said to guard certain treasures or sacred areas. If someone tried to steal from these places or desecrate them, Vueti would come after them. It was often depicted as a menacing figure with a large club, ready to punish those who wronged the sacred spaces.
Another Fijian scary story involves a cursed lagoon. The story goes that long ago, a powerful witch put a curse on it. Anyone who swims in the lagoon at night may be dragged underwater by unseen hands. Locals avoid the lagoon after sunset out of fear.
There's a story of the Dakuwaqa, a shark - like god in Fijian mythology. Legend has it that if fishermen were disrespectful to the ocean or over - fished, Dakuwaqa would appear. It was huge and could create massive waves. Once, a group of greedy fishermen didn't follow the old ways of fishing. Dakuwaqa showed up, capsized their boats and took them into the deep sea. It was a warning to all to respect the ocean and its power.
One common theme is family. Fijian stories often show the strong bond within families and how family members support each other through difficult times.
One common element is the unknown. When there are things that can't be easily explained, like strange noises in an empty house or a figure that disappears when you look closer, it creates fear.
One common element is the presence of the unknown. For example, in many scary stories, there is a mystery figure or thing that people don't understand, like the shadow in the haunted house story. Another element is the sense of isolation. When the characters are alone, like the hiker in the forest, it makes the situation scarier. Darkness is also a common element as it hides the threats and adds to the sense of fear.
One common element is the sense of isolation. In many 1999 scary stories, characters find themselves alone in a spooky place like an abandoned building or a dark forest. Another is the use of the unknown. For example, strange noises or shadowy figures that the characters can't explain. Also, a lot of these stories play on the fear of the past. Maybe it's an old object with a history, like a cursed doll, that brings the horror.
Supernatural creatures are a common element. Like the ones I mentioned before, such as the Rolling Calf, Soucouyant, and Duppy. These creatures often have specific characteristics and behaviors that make them both fascinating and terrifying.
One common element is the presence of supernatural beings like jinns or divs. These are often depicted as powerful and sometimes malevolent entities that can cause chaos and fear. For example, in many stories, they can change their forms to deceive humans.
The concept of fate and the supernatural's influence on it is another element. In many of these stories, misfortunes are not just random but are caused by the actions of these supernatural beings. For example, when the Egbere haunts the forest, it's not just a random event but part of the overall belief in a world where the supernatural controls certain aspects of human fate.