What are some elements that make very scary true ghost stories so frightening?

The unknown factor. In true ghost stories, we don't really know what the entity is. Is it a spirit of a dead person? Or something else entirely? That lack of understanding makes it scary.

The unknown is a big factor. We don't know what ghosts are really like, so when we hear about encounters, it scares us. For example, in those stories where people see strange figures in the dark.

The unknown makes really scary true ghost stories frightening. When things happen that can't be explained by normal means, like objects moving on their own or strange noises in an empty house. It plays on our fear of the unseen.

The psychological aspect plays a role too. Clowns are often associated with fun and entertainment in normal circumstances. But when they are used in a horror context, it subverts our expectations. It creates a sense of unease because it goes against what we know and expect from clowns. It's like something that was supposed to be safe and happy is now a source of fear. This contrast makes very scary clown stories all the more frightening.

In the Flying Dutchman story, the superstition around ships and the sea plays a big role. Sailors are already in a dangerous environment, and the thought of a ghost ship that brings bad luck is really scary. With Bloody Mary, it's the interactive aspect. The fact that you can supposedly summon her by doing a simple action in a place that's usually private and a bit spooky like a bathroom. For the Grey Lady, it's the mystery of who she was in life and why she haunts. The idea of an old building having a long - forgotten spirit wandering around gives a sense of unease. The same goes for the Headless Horseman. The setting of a quiet town like Sleepy Hollow being invaded by this terrifying figure at night is very frightening.

Well, for starters, the isolation that often comes with midnight. Most people are asleep, so the protagonist in the story is alone. Then there's the idea of the afterlife and the supernatural. Ghosts represent something that defies our understanding of the natural world. Also, the use of sound effects in these stories, like creaking doors or howling winds, adds to the overall scariness. It makes our imagination run wild and fills us with dread.

The sense of isolation also plays a part. When people are alone, like the girl camping in the woods or the man on the lonely road, they feel more vulnerable. It's easier for fear to take over when there's no one around to help. Also, the unexpected. For example, the sudden appearance of the woman in white on the road or the growling outside the tent. It catches people off guard and amps up the fear.

The fact that they are true. When we hear a fictional horror story, we can sometimes distance ourselves by thinking it's just made up. But with true stories, it could have happened to anyone. It makes us realize that such terrifying things are part of the real world, and that makes it scarier.

The unknown factor is a big one. In true scary stories, like the real - life hauntings, we don't know exactly what is causing the strange events. Is it a ghost? A malevolent spirit? This uncertainty creates fear. For example, in the story of the Bell Witch, the family had no idea what was attacking them, which made it all the more terrifying.

The setting plays a crucial role. Take 'The Amityville Horror' for example. A large, old, and isolated house provides the perfect backdrop for a scary story. The creaking floors, dark hallways, and the feeling of being alone in such a place add to the fear.