Do you remember the first time you heard a spooky story? Whether it was about ghosts, vampires, or zombies, tales of the supernatural have been a part of human culture for centuries. The act of gathering together to share these stories has withstood the test of time, from ancient mythology to modern publishing.
The term "supernatural" encompasses anything beyond scientific explanation. It includes any phenomena that cannot be rationalized using the laws of science.
Supernatural fiction has its roots in ancient folklore and mythology from cultures around the world. The earliest known ghost story in the Western world emerged in Ancient Greece, while phantoms and magic were integral parts of Ancient Egyptian culture. Vampires can be traced back to ancient China, and the concept of shapeshifters exists in cultures from Indo-Asia to Native America. These stories were passed down through oral tradition as a way to both entertain and caution listeners.
The gothic novel is where we see the earliest written ghost stories in English literature. The first known gothic novel was published in 1764 by Horace Walpole, titled "The Castle of Otranto." Gothic fiction grew in popularity in the late 18th century as a form of escapism from the industrialized world. It is often referred to as the parent genre to mystery novels, ghost stories, and supernatural fiction.
Like most fiction, supernatural fiction aims to entertain and provide an escape from reality. It allows readers to explore the unknown and delve into dark shadows. The supernatural elements in these stories add an eerie atmosphere and can create a unique kind of energy that can be both spine-tingling and thought-provoking.
Supernatural fiction is also known as paranormal fiction. Any story containing ghosts, vampires, werewolves, or supernatural powers such as telepathy can be categorized as such. Common elements found in supernatural fiction include suspense, mystery, a sense of the uncanny, monstrous "others," and a spooky or intriguing atmosphere.
Intriguingly, many supernatural creatures, such as zombies, ghosts, vampires, and werewolves, are often seen as "the other." This concept refers to individuals who are not part of the dominant group. In supernatural fiction, these entities are often portrayed as non-human, setting them apart from the human characters and highlighting their unique traits.
Supernatural fiction is a versatile genre that can encompass horror, fantasy, and even some types of science fiction, as long as they contain supernatural elements. Some popular types of supernatural fiction include ghost novels, vampire stories, werewolf tales, and zombie narratives.
Ghost stories revolve around the spirits of people who have passed away. Whether they died peacefully or violently, these spirits often have unfinished business that brings them back to the world of the living. They may haunt familiar individuals or complete strangers, seeking to resolve their unfinished business. Vengeful ghosts are particularly terrifying, as they seek to exact revenge or seek justice in relentless and often brutal ways. Ghost novels also delve into the unknown and explore ideas of the afterlife, often leaving readers with a sense of the uncanny.
The feeling of the uncanny is often associated with disturbance or fear. Instances such as inanimate objects moving on their own can create an eerie sensation. One popular representation of this can be seen in the Grudge film series, which is derived from traditional Japanese folklore featuring the Onryō, a vindictive spirit or phantom that thrives off of its own resentment. Legend has it that if someone experiences a strong emotion, like anger or envy, at the time of their passing, that emotion will transform into an Onryō. This spirit will then seek revenge for any wrongdoing it endured in life, targeting anyone who crosses its path.
Ghosts have long captured our imaginations, both terrifying and amusing us with their presence. Not all ghost stories have to be full of terror, as some spirits may simply be returning to a place of fond memories or have underlying quirks. In the classic novel "The Canterville Ghost" (1887) by Oscar Wilde, a family moves into an old English manor that is rumored to be haunted. However, the family scoffs at the idea until the ghost appears and is tormented by the mischievous sons. With the help of the daughter, the family puts the ghost to rest.
This timeless tale has been adapted into several films, the latest being in 2016. The setting of the story plays a vital role in creating the perfect atmosphere for a ghost story, whether it be a haunted house, an abandoned castle, or a hospital. Each location has its unique ambiance that the writer must convey through their words.
Modern ghost novels have also gained popularity, with Stephen King's "Pet Sematary" (1983) and Susan Hill's "The Woman in Black" (1983) being notable examples. In "Pet Sematary," King uses an ancient burial ground with magical powers to bring back the dead. The story follows a man who, in a state of desperation, buries his son there after an accident. However, the son returns, but not as he once was, leading to dire consequences. This story was inspired by real-life events, and King initially thought it was too shocking to publish.
The success of "Pet Sematary" has led to multiple film adaptations, each with its unique take on the story. Similarly, "The Woman in Black" by Susan Hill is a gothic ghost story that haunts a small coastal town in England. The ghost's appearance signifies the impending death of a child, and as a young solicitor investigates, deaths begin to occur. This story has been adapted for various mediums and is currently the second-longest-running play in London's West End.
The mention of vampires in supernatural fiction cannot be ignored, with Bram Stoker's "Dracula" (1897) being the most popular and filmed novel in this genre. However, it all started with John William Polidori's "The Vampyre," published in 1819, which became a sensation at the time. The novel's antagonist, Lord Ruthven, is described as unusually pale with lifeless grey eyes and has a negative influence on those around him. As he and a young aristocrat tour Europe, Ruthven's true nature is revealed, eventually leading to his death and mysterious disappearance.
The evolution of these supernatural creatures in literature and popular culture continues to intrigue and entertain audiences, with each adaptation bringing a new perspective and interpretation. From terrifying to amusing, ghosts, vampires, and other supernatural beings will continue to hold a special place in our minds and hearts.
In 1872, Sheridan le Fanu's "Carmilla" was released, introducing readers to a new kind of vampire- a beautiful and seductive creature. The story is set in Styria, where Laura and her father live in a secluded castle. Their quiet life is disrupted by the arrival of Carmilla and her mother. As Laura's health deteriorates, it is revealed that Carmilla is actually a vampire. With the uncovering of her tomb, they destroy her body to rid the world of her evil presence.
This early vampire tale laid the foundation for future stories, including the iconic 1897 novel "Dracula" by Bram Stoker. This novel introduced readers to Count Dracula, a vampire who could shape-shift into a bat and had a weakness for garlic. Stoker's detailed and well-researched world-building set the standard for future vampire fiction.
In recent years, vampires have continued to evolve in popular culture, with series like "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer and "Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter" by Seth Grahame-Smith. These stories have been adapted into films and TV shows, keeping the fascination with vampires alive in modern times.
But vampires are not the only creatures that have captured our imagination in literature and popular culture- werewolves have also played a significant role. The belief in shape-shifting beings can be traced back to ancient cultures, with the werewolf appearing in Roman and Indian folklore.
The concept of the werewolf was popularized in literature, with the 15th-century poem "Bisclavret" by Marie de France being one of the earliest recorded instances. One of the most well-known werewolf tales is from Bram Stoker's "Dracula," where Quincey Morris is a werewolf character. In recent years, the popular TV series "Supernatural" has also featured werewolves, bringing the mythical creature into the 21st century.
The werewolf is often associated with darkness and the moon, especially during a full moon when the human is consumed by the wolf spirit and transformed into a wolf-like creature. This creature has also appeared in the fairy tale of "Beauty and the Beast," possibly originating from early beliefs. It is also reflected in Algernon Blackwood's Running Wolf (1920), which explores the concept of a spirit wolf that is neither fully wolf nor human.
Many novels have been written about werewolves, with one of the most notable being "The Werewolf of Paris" (1933) by Guy Endore. The story follows Bertrand Caillet, who becomes a werewolf during the Franco-Prussian war in France in 1870. As he struggles to control his transformations and the cravings that come with them, his step-uncle intervenes and takes him to an asylum, where he ultimately commits suicide. The novel is known for its eerie dream sequences and a sense of compulsion.
"The Werewolf of Paris" was later adapted into a film by Hammer in 1961, titled "The Curse of the Werewolf," directed by Terence Fisher. Other examples of werewolf novels include "The Howling," a trilogy that inspired the film franchise of the same name (1981-1995), and "Sharp Teeth," a unique werewolf novel written in free verse. This novel is set in Los Angeles and follows the dogcatcher and secret werewolf, Sasha, who is surrounded by other werewolves and is willing to do anything to protect her secret, even if it means murder.
Like vampires, zombies are also undead creatures, also known as the Walking Dead. In some instances, they have a thirst for blood, as seen in Richard Matheson's "I Am Legend" (1954), or the ability to reanimate themselves, as depicted in "The Plague of the Living Dead" (1927) by A. Hyatt Verrill.
Zombie fiction is relatively new in the supernatural genre and may have originated from voodoo rituals in Haiti. In 1929, William Seabrook published "The Magic Island," a travelogue about his experiences in Haiti, where he claimed to have witnessed voodoo rituals and seen "undead" workers in the fields. This book sparked the creation of other works of fiction and film in the zombie genre.
"The Plague of the Living Dead" (1927) by A. Hyatt Verrill tells the story of Dr. Robert Sangster, a scientist who accidentally creates a zombie plague while trying to cure a deadly disease. The story follows the spread of the plague and the desperate search for a cure to save humanity.
In conclusion, the vampire and werewolf have come a long way from their origins in ancient folklore and continue to evolve and capture our attention in literature and popular culture. These mythical creatures are timeless and ever-changing, proving to be enduring symbols in the supernatural genre.
Supernatural fiction has been captivating readers for decades, its origins rooted in ancient mythology. This genre adds a chilling and unexplainable element to stories, making it a favorite among many readers.
One such popular example is the literary classic, "Farnham" by author Ben H. Here, a biologist's quest for immortality leads to the creation of indestructible beings that wreak havoc on the island where he conducts his experiments. The story delves into themes of zombies, violence, and the consequences of playing with supernatural powers.
Another noteworthy work is Richard Matheson's "I Am Legend" (1954), where the protagonist seeks a cure for a virus that has turned people into the "undead." This novel has inspired multiple adaptations, including films like "The Last Man on Earth" (1963) and "Night of the Living Dead" (1968), which are often considered turning points in modern zombie culture.
While some may view zombie fiction as lowbrow, it remains a highly successful genre in both literature and film. In fact, authors have even created parodies and mashups of well-known works, such as Jane Austen's classic novels set in a world filled with zombies and sea monsters.
Examples of these humorous and unexpected tales include "Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters" (2009) by Ben H. These works blend supernatural elements with popular genres like romance and satire, providing a unique and entertaining reading experience.
One of the key strengths of supernatural fiction is its flexibility, as it can encompass various genres like horror, fantasy, and even science fiction. This allows for a diverse range of stories to be told, appealing to a wide audience.
Some notable examples of popular genres in supernatural fiction include ghost stories, vampire novels, werewolf tales, and of course, zombie fiction. Each of these genres offers its own terrifying and exciting take on supernatural elements, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Supernatural fiction draws its origins from ancient mythology and folklore, where tales of gods, spirits, and other unexplainable beings often abound. Over time, these stories have evolved and inspired many of the works we see in the genre today.
In conclusion, supernatural fiction adds a thrilling and sometimes unsettling dimension to storytelling. Its ability to blend with other genres allows for a diverse range of stories to be told, keeping readers entertained and their imaginations stimulated. So, whether you're a fan of ghosts, vampires, or zombies, there's always a supernatural tale waiting to captivate you.
