Will O' The Wisp

Will O' The Wisps 

The will o' the wisps isn't a commonly talked about myth due to the fact much about it is unknown. They may be considered creatures but many believe them to be just that, a myth. The tale is a worldwide myth and there are varying different ideas as to how they came about.

Encounters with the will o' the wisp may occur anywhere though many have claimed to have seen them in swamps or marshes. Travelers may faintly see a glowing orb similar to fire off in the distance. Those who've claimed to have seen them have stated that it was flickering in and out of sight but if you were to have attempted to approach them, they would seem to move further and further until they were completely gone. Meanwhile if the person were to move away and attempt to leave, the wisps would follow them. Although many have reported sightings, scientists believe that these creatures are simply marsh gas lighting.

Cultural aspects play a heavy role in what people believe those to be. In some cultures, the will o' the wisp are seen as ghosts or spirits moving onto the next realm while others believe they're faeries. Though all the different versions of this myth do exists, they all share one idea. The will o' the wisps are meant to guide lost travelers or in generality, guide travelers to where they're meant to go. Dependent on how you look at it, these ghosts/spirits are there to guide or in some cases, hurt travelers due to the fact that these spirits are not allowed into Heaven or Hell. In some beliefs, the souls wander and lead travelers to harm them instead of guiding them.

Fun Fact: The name Jack O' Lanterns is associated in origin with this myth.

I hope everyone enjoyed this little myth! Goodbye for now-