One common element is the trapper's skill. In old trapping stories, the trappers are often very good at making and setting traps.
Another common element is the purpose of trapping. In olden days, trapping was mainly for survival - getting food, fur for warmth, etc. So in these stories, you often see trappers trying to make a living through trapping. There might also be a sense of competition among trappers in some stories, which adds an interesting aspect to the narrative. This competition could be about who catches the most or the rarest animals.
There is an old trapping story that took place in a remote village. The trapper there was known for his cleverness in setting traps. He made traps that were not only effective but also humane. One time, he trapped a large deer. He managed to get it out of the trap without harming it much. Then he took it back to the village and shared the meat with the whole village. This story shows how trapping was an important part of the community's survival in the old days.
One element is when the wrong thing gets trapped. Like when you set a trap for a small rodent but end up with a household item, such as a glove or a toy. It's just so unexpected.
One common element is the ogre's strength. They are often shown as very powerful, able to easily overpower humans. Another is their living environment, usually in desolate and isolated places.
Typical elements in old stories often include a hero or heroine. For example, in many fairy tales, there is a brave prince or a kind princess. There are also challenges or quests that the main character has to face, like slaying a dragon or finding a magical item. And of course, there are moral lessons. Old stories usually teach us about good and bad, right and wrong, such as the importance of honesty and kindness.
One common element is the old machinery. The creaking of the mill wheels or the rattling of old gears often feature in these stories as they add to the spooky atmosphere. For example, in many old mill ghost stories, the sound of the mill working on its own is a sign of the ghost's presence.
One common element is the setting. Often, these stories are set in spooky places like old cemeteries, abandoned houses, or dark forests. Another element is the appearance of the ghost. They usually have a pale or translucent appearance. For example, in many stories, ghosts are described as white - clad figures.
One common element is strange noises. Like creaking floors or doors slamming on their own. Another is the feeling of being watched, even when no one is around. Shadows are also often mentioned, moving in ways that can't be explained by normal things.
Another element is the idea of unfulfilled desires or wrongs from the past. In many Tunisian old ghost stories, the ghosts are there because they had something unfair happen to them in life, like the wronged princess or the drowned sailor. They are stuck in the earthly realm until their issues are resolved, which may never happen. These stories often carry a moral lesson too, like not being greedy or cruel. For example, if a character in the story was greedy and caused someone's death, then the victim's ghost would haunt them. It's a way of teaching people to be good.
One common element is the scarecrow coming to life. It's often depicted as moving and scaring people during Halloween. Another is the spooky appearance, like having tattered clothes and a menacing stance. Also, there's usually a connection to the harvest or the fields it guards.
One common element is the old woman's appearance. Usually, she has a haggard look with wrinkled skin, sunken eyes, and often some sort of deformity like a crooked nose or a hunched back. This makes her look menacing.