What are the common elements in scary supernatural west indian stories?

Well, magic and curses are very common in Indian supernatural stories. A person might be cursed for not respecting a holy place or an elder. There are also enchanted objects like amulets that can protect against evil spirits. Animals often have a special significance too. For instance, the owl is sometimes seen as a harbinger of death in these stories. And family and ancestral spirits are often part of the narrative, with their influence being either positive or negative depending on the family's deeds.

The La Diablesse is another spooky West Indian tale. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman with one cloven hoof. She lures men into the forest, and once they are deep enough, she reveals her true form and causes them to get lost forever. Many stories were told to warn young men about the dangers of being too easily charmed by a stranger.

Ghosts are a common element. Since the Old West had many violent deaths, from gunfights and mining accidents, it's believed that the spirits of the dead often haunt the places where they died. For example, in abandoned mines or on the sites of old shootouts.

Often, there are elements of the afterlife and reincarnation in scary Indian stories. The idea that the dead can come back in some form to haunt the living is quite prevalent. Animals are sometimes used as symbols of the supernatural too. For instance, in some tales, a black dog might be seen as an omen of death or a spirit in disguise. And the power of mantras and spells is also a common element, as they can either protect from or unleash the scary entities in these stories.

The curses in Indian scary stories are also quite scary. There are tales where a person is cursed for some wrong - doing, and the curse brings about a series of terrifying events. These curses can be passed down through generations, and the idea that one's family can be doomed because of a past misdeed is a very scary concept.

One common theme is the influence of the natural environment. Since the West Indies has a beautiful and sometimes harsh natural setting like the sea, mountains, and tropical forests, it often plays a role in the love stories. For example, lovers might meet on the beach or be separated by a storm at sea.

The historical tragedies behind the stories are also quite scary. In the story of the woman by the well, the unjust treatment she received and her sad death create a sense of horror. It makes you think about the cruelty that can happen in society.

The theme of nature is also prevalent. West African scary stories often connect the unknown in nature, like deep forests or large bodies of water, with danger. The forest can be a place full of hidden spirits and the water can be home to powerful and unpredictable entities. This reflects how people in West Africa view and respect the power of nature.

Well, themes like resistance and survival are common. Given the history of colonial oppression in the West Indies, characters in short stories often show their struggle against the odds, whether it's economic hardships or social discrimination. The beauty and power of the local languages also feature. The use of Creole or other local dialects not only adds authenticity but also reflects the unique cultural flavor. And then there's the theme of superstition and folklore. Many West Indian short stories are steeped in local superstitions and traditional tales, which add an element of mystery and a connection to the past.

One common element is the unknown. When there are things that can't be easily explained, like strange noises in an empty house or a figure that disappears when you look closer, it creates fear.