I think it's the sense of mystery and the possibility that there could be a powerful and elusive creature out there. The stories often involve Bigfoot being very strong and able to move quickly and quietly. Also, many of the encounters happen in isolated areas, which adds to the fear factor.
The fact that these stories are often passed down through generations gives them an air of authenticity. When you hear a scary Bigfoot story from someone who heard it from their grandparents, it seems more believable. And the descriptions of Bigfoot - a huge, hairy, and sometimes menacing figure - are enough to send shivers down anyone's spine. It represents the unknown in the wilderness, which is a primal fear for many people.
One reason could be the element of the unknown. In many of these stories, things happen that defy normal explanation. For example, in some, there are strange noises at night with no clear source. Another factor is the sense of helplessness. The protagonists often find themselves in situations where they can't easily escape or get help. Also, the fact that these are 'true' stories (even if some are exaggerated) gives them an extra layer of spookiness because it makes you think it could happen to you.
The isolation in asylums makes the stories terrifying. Patients were cut off from the outside world. In one story, a patient was locked in a room for years and when they finally got out, they had lost all sense of reality. It's the idea of being alone in a place full of madness that scares us.
The isolation in caves is a big factor. When you're deep in a cave, you're cut off from the outside world. If something goes wrong, like getting lost or injured, help is far away. For example, in many scary cave stories, people find themselves alone in the dark with no way to call for assistance. It's that sense of helplessness that makes it terrifying.
True adult scary stories are terrifying because they often touch on our deepest fears. As adults, we fear things like financial ruin, the loss of a loved one, or the breakdown of our mental health. When these elements are incorporated into a scary story, it becomes all the more frightening. For instance, a story about a person slowly losing their mind due to a mysterious illness is truly scary. It makes us wonder what we would do in such a situation and it preys on our insecurities.
The psychological aspect plays a big role. True stories often tap into our deepest fears, like the fear of the dark or being alone. Take a story of a person being followed at night in an empty street. We can easily put ourselves in their shoes and feel the same dread they did.
What makes true ghost stories terrifying is the element of the unknown. For example, if someone hears strange noises in a supposedly empty place, it sends shivers down their spine because they don't know what's causing it. There's no rational explanation readily available.
One reason is the unique cultural elements. Japanese ghosts often have deep-rooted ties to their history and traditions. For example, the Yurei, a common type of Japanese ghost, is often depicted as a white - clad figure with long, black hair. Their appearance is based on the traditional belief that the dead should be dressed in white for burial. The stories also play on themes like revenge, which is a powerful and scary concept. When a wronged soul comes back to haunt the living, it creates a sense of unease as it blurs the line between the living and the dead world.
One factor is the element of surprise. In these stories, bigfoot usually appears suddenly, catching people off - guard. The descriptions of its appearance, with long hair and a large, ape - like build, are intimidating. Moreover, the idea that there could be a large, unknown creature lurking in the woods where people often go for recreation or work makes these stories truly terrifying. For example, a hiker may feel safe in the forest until they have a bigfoot encounter, which shatters their sense of security.
Well, hearses are often large, black, and imposing vehicles. They are designed to carry the dead, which gives them an air of solemnity and gloom. In scary stories, they can be made to seem like they have a life of their own. For example, a hearse that chases people or appears in unexpected places. It's like they break the normal rules and become something otherworldly. This contrast between their normal, somber function and their abnormal, spooky behavior in stories is really frightening.
The grotesque alien forms in the Ben 10 stories can be really scary. For example, some aliens have sharp teeth and menacing eyes. Also, the dark and spooky settings where Ben has to face his enemies add to the scariness.