Many Polish ghosts are tied to specific locations, such as castles or forests. They tend to appear in traditional ghostly forms - like white - robed figures or shadowy shapes. Their presence is usually accompanied by an eerie atmosphere, like cold drafts or strange noises. In some stories, they can also interact with the living, either by touching them or speaking in a whispery voice that sends chills down one's spine. The ghosts are often a part of the cultural and historical fabric of Poland, representing the past and its secrets.
Often, the ghosts in Polish stories are associated with historical events or figures. For example, the White Lady might be a noblewoman from a bygone era. They usually have a purpose, like seeking revenge or warning of impending doom.
They usually involve moral lessons. The ghosts or supernatural elements in the stories are sometimes the result of someone's wrongdoings in the past. For instance, in some stories, a person who was cruel or unjust during their life might come back as a ghost to haunt the place or people related to their misdeeds.
In Russian ghost stories, many ghosts are often associated with nature. For example, the Rusalka is closely tied to water. They are usually vengeful, like when a Rusalka tries to drown people as revenge for her own death. Another characteristic is that they can be tied to a place. The Lady in White often haunts a specific building.
The sense of the unknown. In Polish ghost stories, the ghosts often appear without warning. For example, the White Lady can just suddenly show up in a castle corridor. You don't know when or where they will show up, which is really scary.
The two ghosts could be very mischievous, like moving objects around in people's houses. The one ghost might be more silent but has a really creepy appearance, like with long, black hair covering its face.
In the '2018 ghost stories', the ghosts may possess a sense of malevolence. They could be the source of unexplained noises like moaning or wailing in the dead of night. Some ghosts might be visible only to certain people, perhaps those who are more sensitive to the supernatural. They could also have the ability to create an atmosphere of dread and fear, making the hairs on the back of people's necks stand up just by their presence.
One well - known Polish ghost story is about the 'White Lady'. Legend has it that she haunts castles. She is often described as a tragic figure, perhaps a wronged noblewoman. She is said to appear in white robes, sometimes with a sad or angry expression, and her presence is usually associated with misfortune or a sense of unease.
There's also the story of the Black Shuck in Poland. It's a spectral black dog. People believe that seeing it is an omen of death. It's often described as having glowing red eyes and it roams around lonely paths and cemeteries at night. The very sight of it makes people tremble with fear.
Not all of them. There may be a ghost that is more sad than scary. It's the spirit of an old man who misses his family and just lingers around the house where he lived with them, not really trying to frighten anyone but just existing in the memories of that place.
Many of the ghosts in these stories are tied to a specific location. It could be a castle where they once lived or a battlefield where they died. They can't leave that place. Also, they usually appear in a form related to their life or death. A knight might appear in his armor, and a nun in her habit.
Many of them have a distinct appearance. Take 'Kuchisake - Onna' for instance. She has a slit - mouthed face which is very creepy. And they usually are associated with a certain place, like Okiku's ghost with the well.